Prayer Pillars

 

FOUR PILLARS OF PRAYER SUPPORT

by Gail K. Kachnycz;  29 March 2021 

     As chronic illness progresses, especially if the loved one is placed on palliative care or hospice status, there may be a change in the prayer focus. It is time to pray according to

2 Corinthians 4:16

Therefore we do not lose heart. Though outwardly we are wasting away, yet inwardly we are being renewed day by day. 

     Unless he or she is unconscious, the love one still has a role in the family and can contribute guidance and share their legacy. The loved one needs prayer support especially at this time. Usually, the prayer requests and support of this nature are shared only with family, pastoral care staff, and the inner circle of prayer supporters. Share according to the comfort level of the loved one.

     In Mark Chapter 12, Jesus identifies the Greatest Commandment. 

     Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul, and with all your mind and with all your strength. Mark 12:30 

     Jesus is referring to the Shema Yisrael, the prayer contained inside the Mezuzah, the box affixed to the doorpost of every Jewish dwelling. It was a constant reminder to love the LORD God with every part of the being, the complete self. It is also a good pattern to use to pray for the loved one, since it encompasses the entire person, both the external/physical and the internal/essence.

     Although the pattern for prayer lists the order of heart/soul/mind/strength, I find it somehow more logical to start with the physical and then proceed through the non-physical layers of the person. Here’s how I pray:

     Strength: The physical needs of the loved one with chronic illness are the most obvious. I pray for strength, relief of symptoms, and support system. Prayers for healing are included here; there is a separate essay on miraculous healing. However, I feel that if the symptoms subside, and the person experiences full relief and function, this is what is needed regardless of the results of medical tests or imaging. Modern medicine may be the healing method. For me, all are acceptable if the loved one is experiencing relief and has a sense of wellness.

     The support system encompasses all medical providers, family and other caregivers, and insurance/billing. Dealing with the medical system can be exhausting. Changing insurance providers usually involves are period of billing the wrong insurance and multiple follow-up contacts to correct the misinformation. Throughout our experience with chronic illness, prayer requests for cutting insurance red tape, pre-authorizations, and incorrect billing have often been at the top of the list. Our transition to Medicare was anything but smooth. If you have insurance provided by the government, you may be dealing with formularies that do not include the medications that are most effective for your loved one. We have seen amazing breakthroughs in both physical status and treatment authorizations when concerted prayer has been applied. 

     Mind: For many, the medical issue is dementia or mental illness. In other conditions, the physical impairment may lead to poor oxygenation or dehydration, which can result in confusion. Some medications required for pain relief or other reasons may have drowsiness as a side effect. I pray for a clear mind for my loved one, wisdom for guiding the family through decisions, and plans to get our house in order and leave a legacy. In our situation, physical impairments have not affected the role of head of the family.

     Soul: I see the mind as the source of reasoning, thinking, and logical decision making. For me, the soul is the seat of emotions. My prayer for matters of the soul begin with protection for the emotions from discouragement and depression. These moods easily come unbidden as the loved one struggles with pain, thoughts of death, and grieves progressive loss of function. The enemy knows that emotions are a particularly vulnerable opening to spiritual oppression. The loved one needs the protection of prayer support in this area. I also pray for the sustaining grace of the joy of the Lord (Psalm 28:8) and peace that passes understanding (Philippians 4:6-7).

     Heart: I have viewed the heart as “the me that is me,” the essence of a person regardless of failing strength, dulling of the mind, or changing emotions. The heart of a person is what God created a person to be, it remains unchanged and continues into everlasting life. At the heart of a person is the purpose that God created them to fulfill, regardless of how long or short their life on earth may be. When I pray for the heart of my loved one, I pray that he will fulfill the purpose that God intended for him, and that his life will draw others closer to God and the hope of salvation in Christ.

     Conclusion: This pattern for prayer was revealed to me when my loved one was on hospice status. The decision to enter hospice care has a certain finality to it, and can foster a “What’s the use?” attitude toward prayers that are forward looking. However, I hope that this pattern for prayer demonstrates that we can say with the Apostle Paul, “I have learned to be content whatever the circumstances.” (Philippians 4:11) This fourfold prayer can be used to support anyone, whether or not they are experiencing chronic illness.

   Photo: Gazebo at Longwood Gardens, Kennett Square PA 14 September 2023 by Gail Kachnycz