Daily Devotion - Friday, October 14

About Prayer

This week our devotions focus on the significance of taking time
to continue development of spiritual awareness.

“Create in me a clean heart, O God.”
--A song from an ancient seeker

Friday: An Open-Eyed Prayer

The patient’s condition had been deteriorating for several days and the staff was less than optimistic about recovery of health; in fact, the feeling was pretty certain that death might occur during this hospitalization. With internal systems shutting down, one of the patient’s doctors finished his assessment. I had a feeling that it was best to quietly observe the MD as he came to the nursing station and pulled the chart. I’ve learned to trust my feelings and so I observed without a word.

The doctor opened the chart, pulled out his pen and then sat at the desk for at least 10 minutes, it could have been more. He gazed into space, fixing his eyes on some point and just sat there. Quietly he sat there. No one disturbed him as he sat there. With elbow resting on the table and chin resting in the palm of his hand (remember the artwork entitled “The Thinker”) he sat there.

And then there was a sigh. Some directives were written for care. The chart was authoritatively closed. Not a word was said.

I caught up with the doctor in the hallway and he explained what all was involved in the 10 minute time of contemplation. Slowly recovery occurred. Patient did go home and enjoy a measure of quality for a short time. Death did occur eventually. I observed prayer that day. With eyes opened and spirit ready to receive, a doctor witnessed to a mighty power that is very much alive in our world.

I pray that you will have a good day and a wonderful weekend.

A Prayer: Holy God, fill me with quietness. Amen.

--Ben Keckler
10.14.11