Healing, Cure, and Wholeness
Physical Healing and Wholeness: A Holistic Approach
Reflection By Scott Stoner
Prayer doesn’t always change outcomes, but it always changes us.
There is a beautiful prayer in the Ministry to the Sick portion of the Book of Common Prayer:
This is another day, O Lord. I know not what it will bring forth, but make me ready, Lord, for whatever it may be. If I am to stand up, help me to stand bravely. If I am to sit still, help me to sit quietly. If I am to lie low, help me to do it patiently. And if I am to do nothing, let me do it gallantly. Make these words more than words, and give me the Spirit of Jesus. Amen (BCP, p. 461).
I have prayed this prayer with many people who were suffering, including some who knew that they were dying. I prayed it myself during my bike accident that I wrote about last Monday. It reminds us that no matter our circumstances we can live in the spirit of Jesus, and that even in times of trial, we can still pray for and experience spiritual and emotional healing.
It is good and natural to pray for cures and miracles, for strength and courage. And it is good to remember that while prayer doesn’t always change outcomes, it always changes us.
Making It Personal: How does the idea that “prayer doesn’t always change outcomes, but it always changes us” connect with your experience? Consider praying the prayer above for a few days and reflect on what effect it has on you.