July 9, 2011
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“…hallowed be your name.” "Sacred Silence" In my tenure as a hospice Chaplain, I am afforded the opportunity to provide what is defined as “end of life care.” If patients and/or families elect to receive spiritual care, I humbly enter into their personal spaces to offer the ministry of presence. The ministry of presence refers to an individual providing a supportive presence in the form of silence/stillness in order to offer someone the space to examine and engage in reflection about their lives, family and faith. As caregivers, oftentimes it is difficult to understand how God is glorified when we are not “busy-bodies” engaged in doing works as opposed to being still in the Presence. Nevertheless, in providing the ministry of caregiving God is hallowed (glorified) not only by our dedicated deeds, the name of “Our Father” is hallowed by us offering ourselves as sacraments of God’s provision, peace and promise. God is glorified in the ministry of caregiving and for the person receiving care because the promises of God are fulfilled. Caregivers are the embodiment of the spirit of the Eternal, for when we are present we are symbolic of God’s ever-abiding presence. God promises to never leave us or forsake us and that is reason enough to worship, Hallowed be the name! May we continue to hallow the name of God, give glory to God, for it is in the wonders and woes of our labors, words from our lips and the works of our lives that we render care, in Jesus’ name. Prayer O Lord, we stand in humility, honor and with our Hallelujahs as a witness to your Faithfulness. We give glory and reverence to your name, a name described as “So sweet!” In your name, we purpose to lend a helping hand; Lord may you keep us in the hollow of your hand. In your name, we bathe bodies, pray, encourage, wipe tears, sing hymns and seek to relieve fears; grant us your grace today. Hallowed be your name! Thought for the day God gives us strength to help others. |
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