Since God chose you to be the holy people he loves, you must clothe yourselves with tenderhearted mercy, kindness, humility, gentleness, and patience. Make allowance for each other’s faults, and forgive anyone who offends you. Remember, the Lord forgave you, so you must forgive others. Above all, clothe yourselves with love, which binds us all together in perfect harmony. And let the peace that comes from Christ rule in your hearts. For as members of one body you are called to live in peace. And always be thankful.
Colossians 3:12-15

Dear God, I’m in a chapel on Thanksgiving morning and praying for some people I love. Two, in particular, are quite sick—one gravely so. My heart is heavy for them and the earthly paths before them. It is also heavy for their spouses and children. One of them, the more ill of the two, still has living parents. My heart hurts for them as well.

So my wife and I are here this morning. In other circumstances, I might be feeling sorry for myself because not everything is as I would hope it would be. But today, I’m really not thinking about myself at all. I’m here to ask you for your comfort for each of these people and their families. I ask for healing where you will it. I ask for a smooth path no matter the circumstance. I ask that you teach me how to love them. I ask that you not let the pain of these situations be wasted on anyone touched by them.

Oh, God…Oh, Father…Oh, Jesus…Oh, Holy Spirit, please be with the people. Be with my wife. Be with me. Father, heal and do your will. Jesus, teach and love. Holy Spirit, comfort and pray.

I pray all of this through the grace given to me through the life, death, and resurrection of Jesus,

Amen