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As the pastor of an older congregation, I have often struggled with how best to pray at the bedside of an older parishioner. I wrestle with praying for healing when the prognosis is dire, when the person has lived a "full life" and is now suffering. At the same time, not praying for healing may lead family - not all of whom share their loved one's beliefs - to wonder what type of faith leader I am.
Adding to my struggle are the times when a "healthy" member suffers a sudden, catastrophic illness or goes in for a "routine" procedure and never leaves the hospital. How can one person who is ready to be with the Lord linger, while another, who has so much more to give to this world, dies unexpectedly?
At moments like these, when my faith is - if not lacking - challenged, I am encouraged by the story of the man with a demon-possessed child who cries out, "I believe, help my unbelief!" I am encouraged because first, Jesus responds, and acts, even in the midst of wavering belief/faith, and second, the effective prayer Jesus speaks of (Mark 9:29) is not set of specific and/or magical words, but a deep, abiding connection with God. Jesus doesn't say any prayer before casting out the unclean spirit; he relies solely on his enduring relationship with his Father.
When I struggle with the faith to believe my prayers matter and God can respond, I ask him to help work my moments of unbelief into a deeper, more enduring relationship with him.
Prayer: Lord, all that I am is in your hands. Deepen my faith; help my unbelief. Amen.
- Joe Phipps,
Fairfield, IA
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