Ricochet is the best place on the internet to discuss the issues of the day, either through commenting on posts or writing your own for our active and dynamic community in a fully moderated environment. In addition, the Ricochet Audio Network offers over 50 original podcasts with new episodes released every day.
He Prayed with Me
While sitting at my desk and writing (my usual daily posture), I received a call on my cell phone. I didn’t recognize the number, but it wasn’t labeled “Scam Likely,” so I decided, what the heck, who’s trying to aggravate me now . . .
When I answered, the first impression I had was that it was a marketing call of sorts. The caller, a fellow, asked if I had completed the survey from Advent Hospital for my recent doctor visit; I explained that I’d had so many visits lately that I had no idea. (I did try to keep the sarcasm out of my voice.) So he told me the name of the doctor, whom I recognized, and I told him the visit went just fine (since, although the doctor gave me more bad news, he did it kindly).
And then the caller surprised me. He explained that he was a chaplain and pastor for Advent, and that since so many of us had been struggling lately, he wondered if that had been my experience. (I suspected the man had been reading my Ricochet posts or had ESP.) Then again, who in the world isn’t suffering in some small way? Before I could answer him, he asked if I would like him to pray for me. And then he waited for my response. I said I’d be glad to pray with him, as long as Jesus wasn’t involved. (It was not one of my better days.) I explained that I was Jewish, so if he could do a “Jewish prayer,” I would be open to that. He said, of course, and then he said, let’s pray.
And I have no idea what was in the content of the prayer, but it was kind and loving and I felt tears in my eyes. I sensed that even though it was his job to call me (checking on my non-completion of the survey), I knew, just knew, that it might have been a pretext to call, and that he wanted to offer me the opportunity to pray together and be comforted.
It was sweet and lovely, and I thanked him.
And I didn’t let his inquiry if I would complete a brief phone survey on our call change my impression.
Business, you know.
But it took nothing away from our time together. I felt blessed and comforted.
Published in General
I will guess that he has added you to his prayer list, as will we.
Thanks so much, EODmom. Truly.
I don’t think we’re getting the results we want from this doctor.
I hope no one is offended by my comment to the chaplain about not including Jesus. I haven’t found a tactful way to explain my preference. When my husband and I were married by a Reformed rabbi, we chose him because we didn’t want our vows to include Christianity. Does that seem okay?
Anybody complains, you send em to me.
G-d does not deceive, nor can G-d be deceived. G-d made promises to Abraham and G-d does not break His promises. Christians and Jews should at the very least remember this when they pray. He hears prayers from both Christians and Jews.
The chaplain seemed to have no problem with my request. He probably gets people who get all bent out of shape when he makes the offer of prayer at all. I’m sure G-d doesn’t care if Jesus is included in a prayer for me, but I guess I’m most comfortable in keeping prayer between me and the one G-d. And I have no doubt that G-d listens to prayers from everyone, if they are willing to offer them up.
Thanks for making me smile, BDB! Sometimes you say just the right thing . . .
Absolutely not. That’s quite understandable. Now what I’m confused about is who exactly called. What is Advent?
Or me.
I just realized the ambiguity in my rep!y. The “absolutely not” refers back to being offended, not your final question.
I’m sorry, Manny. Advent Hospital and its system. Almost all of my doctors are connected to Advent. Everyone I’ve worked with has been great. I especially like that Advent has a religious orientation, Christian actually, but it isn’t overwhelming. I do think, too, that it sets the tone for those who work for them
I got it. We know each other well enough!
Oorah! (Sorry. Wrong service branch. No offense intended.)
God bless, Susan. Sending hugs, prayers, and good thoughts.
Works for me! Lately I feel like such a whiner. I’m not going to die from any of my ailments, but I just feel disappointed and worn out. And spoiled. Up until two years ago I was the epitome of health and energy. And I’m working to make a major attitude adjustment to “what is.” I’m a very slow learner. Very slow.
On second read of your post, I realized you said you got bad news. I hope it’s not your cancer again?
Seems reasonable. Faith is the first freedom. Everyone should be true to what they believe or don’t believe.
No! I added that none of my maladies are life-threatening but they are debilitating and uncomfortable. And some I will have to live with. I’d explain more but trust me, you don’t need the details!
He’s trained to roll with it. It’s fine.
You are Jewish. Jesus is outside your tradition and belief. Its understandable. If I took offense (I am an Orthodox Christian) it would be wrong.
In the end God will sort everything out. He makes the call, not us down here on Earth. I have no problems with those of other faiths following their faith, as long as they accord me the same consideration.
I can’t tell you how much I love this statement, Seawriter. Of course, we hold G-d in very high esteem. But I love the sense of bringing him into our own perspective. In one sense, G-d doesn’t need to “sort things out.” But from our perspective, it is comforting and reassuring to remember that He is able to work with all these complexities. We may not understand how things resolve, but we can trust in Him. Thanks.
I didn’t mention that the chaplain also asked me if I had a strong support system. I almost asked, “Are you kidding?” Of course, he was referring to friends, families and others, but Ricochet is very high on the list. I am enormously blessed with support. Thank you.
I think I’m a little further along than you, but I’ve learned to not worry too much about how I feel today. It will be different tomorrow anyway – assuming I remember.
Thanks for making me giggle. And you’re right, WillowSpring! It doesn’t just change day-to-day but hour to hour. But I know that it’s also extremely important not to make too much of those better days. There’s a part of me that wants to say, so this means that I’m on an upward trend, right? But those days don’t mean that at all. This is where living in the moment is so important. And so difficult.
“Heavenly Father” covers a lot of bases.
Oh great. Thank heavens.
I’ll add my prayers too.
Some time ago I found myself asked to lead a prayer in our little Methodist church. I hadn’t had a chance to prepare, but they know me well enough. I started out, “Heavenly Father, since you are our father, it’s not surprising that we’re always asking you for stuff.”
Thanks for the chuckle, Doug. That’s perfect! I do think that’s the title the chaplain used. I was too overwhelmed to be certain.
Theologically sound.