God Talk, A Prayer for the Sick and Dying

God, I need to talk with You.

Somewhere, in Your Word, 

I read, or maybe I heard, 

"Death is swallowed up in victory."

God, I feel this shadow hanging over me.

I feel a little cold: I know the hour is near me.

I cannot lie; I am afraid.

God! I cannot lie!

I feel this darkness near me.

God, somewhere, in Your Word, I heard, or maybe I read, 

"O Death, where is thy sting?"

Oh, God, I hear and feel You today.

"O grave, where is thy victory?"

God, I know, Your victory is in me!

But thanks be to Your Word.

I am ready to commit my soul unto Thee.

Amen.

     A former hospice patient inspired this poem, whom I had the honor of providing spiritual care to.  We had a short time to spend together.  His family lived in another state.  He shared that he felt alone and uncertain about death.  He narrated his life with slow and precise memory.  He talked about his childhood experiences with religion and spirituality.  He had many questions.  He and I sat at his bedside and engaged in deep spiritual reflections and questions.  He and I shared tears.  We sat in silence, saturated in our thoughts and apprehensions.  His nurse asked me to encourage him to eat.  When his food arrived, he nibbled a bit as we continued our spiritual journey through the shadow of death.  He asked many questions about God, forgiveness, heaven, and hell.  I answered his questions honestly based on my theological training, education, and frame of reference.  Ultimately, we sat in silence as he continued to eat a little more until he was tired.  When I left his bedside, I had no idea that he had eaten his last meal.  I could feel his spirit riding with me as I drove to my next hospice patient.  Within less than 24 hours, while I was with a patient, in the field, I felt his spirit speak to me.  I was leaving the patient's home and getting into my car.  Before I started the engine, I felt a gentle breeze pass through my being.  I heard, "Good Chaplain Kelly, thank you."  I recognized the patient's voice, he sounded calm, content,  and happy.  I experienced a spiritual and supernatural encounter, and I felt love.  This poem was inspired by the spiritual journey I shared with one of my many patients.