I take care of my health: I visit my
doctors, take my pills and spend
time in daily prayer. My daily prayer
is just as vital for my health as any
medical procedure.
We all know how to handle our high
blood pressure or other health conditions,
and praying for our health
should be included with all our healthy
habits.
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 Creating a Sacred Space
I pray in my own little "sacred space"
in the corner of my bedroom. It is my
little refuge, a place for prayer and healing.
And whatever you ask in my name,
I will do, so that the Father may be
glorified in the Son. If you ask anything
of me in my name, I will do it.
—John 14:13-14 |
It is not necessary to have a separate
room in which to pray—any corner
in the house or even an uncluttered
closet might be used for quiet prayer.
My dad prayed in our finished basement
from his recliner. He had a list of
intentions beside him on a table in his
"man cave" and said his prayers there.
I have a comfortable chair in my
space. Next to it is my grandmother's
refinished table with a scented candle,
a cedar statue of St. Francis of Assisi, an
old Army photo of my dad, my mom's
prayer book and a rock from my Assisi,
Italy, pilgrimage. Under the table is a
basket which holds my Office book,
spiritual books and a pen and journal.
I keep some Band-Aids® and a prescription
bottle there to remind me of
health and wellness.
Called to Prayer
My prayer always begins in the same
way: I say a prayer to God the Creator,
Jesus and the Holy Spirit. I pray the
Memorare to the Blessed Mother, and
speak with my deceased parents, relatives,
sisters and friends. I pray the
Office with its psalms, prayers and readings.
Then I sit in silence, without reading
anything, just to focus on what I
have just prayed. I read that day's Scripture
readings from the liturgy.
Many times, I find myself distracted
and try to get back on track. Sometimes
I have to fight sleep—but most of
the time I get distracted by what I have
to do at work or, more often, by any
health issues. An upcoming doctor's
appointment or a medical test makes
me anxious. That is the time that I pray
my often-used Scripture quote from
John 14: "And whatever you ask in my
name, I will do, so that the Father may
be glorified in the Son. If you ask anything
of me in my name, I will do it."
For almost 35 years, I have asked
God, in Jesus' name, to heal me, to
cure me of my multiple sclerosis. I
believe God has granted this request
because I am doing pretty well—new
MS medications are released frequently
and I have accepted this devastating
disease. I also pray for friends who are
ill.
I leave my space and go to work in
the morning, still having to face the
challenges of my day, but I am different,
more peaceful.
At night, I am drawn to my space
again, and I light my candle and pray
my evening prayers. I sing a verse from
"You Are Mine" by David Haas: "I am
strength for all the despairing, healing
for the ones who dwell in shame. All
the blind will see, the lame will all run
free, and all will know my name. Do
not be afraid, I am with you. I have
called you each by name. Come and
follow me, I will bring you home; I
love you and you are mine."
We are all called to prayer, to talk to
our God about what is happening in
our lives. When we are worried about
life-changing health issues, who better
to talk with? If a misunderstanding
or quarrel takes place in our lives,
we talk to the person involved and ask
for clarification or forgiveness. Then
we usually feel better and can begin
healing. Placing our health concerns
before our loving God must be a part of
our total health care—right up there
with doctor's visits and our medicines.
Prayer is just what the doctor should
order.
Sister Karen Zielinski,
O.S.F., was director of communications
for the Sisters of
St. Francis of Sylvania, Ohio,
from 1991 to 2008. She is
now director of Canticle Studio, for products
which focus on spirituality and health. She
can be contacted at whollyhealthy@
AmericanCatholic.org. |
