Yesterday I had the opportunity to celebrate with Cancer Survivors as we recognized National Cancer Survivors Day. Worship was lively. The
atmosphere was charged with hope. The butterflies were shocked. (We release butterflies as a sign and symbol of hope and freedom. Fact: butterflies don’t like the cold).
I composed a prayer for our worship (likely a distillation of the prayers of others). I offer it for you here.
Dear God,
We praise you as Creator, the One who makes all good things. We recognize it is your hand that has shaped us and who has breathed into us the breath of life. You knit us together in ways that are beyond our understanding. You set your Spirit within us and so we live.
As we celebrate today with those who have overcome cancer, those in whom life has been restored, we rejoice in the healing you have made possible in these lives. We give thanks for the miracles and the medicine and the milestones reached. We ask you now to multiply those blessings.
Send your healing to those who have yet to overcome their cancer. Those just diagnosed. Those in treatment. Those who will hear the word “cancer” spoken in their future.
Some are filled with fear. Give them courage. Some are weak and worn down. Give them strength. Some are angry and confused. Give them peace. Some are in pain and suffering. Give them comfort. Let your hand touch each life touched by cancer. Bring your healing to these our sisters, brothers, spouses, children, neighbors, co-workers, friends, loved ones.
As you heal and renew your servants, Lord, may they bless and praise you, as we do today.
All of this we pray in the name of Jesus Christ. Amen.
Life is better together,
Shawn
Big Rubber Band Ball 