“Ask and it will be given to you; seek and you will find; knock and the door will be opened to you.”  Luke 11:9 (NIV)

 

Being a chaplain and working in the medical environment has meant my being on-call many a night.  Sometimes in other locations, that meant spending the night in the medical facility.  Most of the time though, it has meant the beeper went off and a quick call to the hospital or hospice revealing the need for a chaplain for a dying patient or death.  It is a call that requires some spiritual intervention for the crisis and the need for someone family members as well as staff can talk to.  For most, if not all, of these calls I just listen because sometimes that is what they seem to need most.  These visits in the dark of night always end with a prayer and thanks from family members for the care and concern the hospital staff have shown.

 

As I ponder what I do for people in these times of need, I realize that sometimes all they want is to know that someone cares and is listening…especially God.  The same is true when we pray.  Especially in times of need or crisis, we receive comfort from knowing that God listens to our prayers.  Knowing that God cares can give us peace.

 

Jesus said, “Ask . . . seek . . . knock,” as words of comfort and hope so that we can find peace, especially in times of crisis and turmoil.

 

I know that I play only a part in the care of a person’s life when I respond to a beeper, but just like the rest of the staff, we all make a difference.  In the same way, the seemingly small act of calling on God in prayer daily makes a difference in our lives.  Our faith tells us that God is always there when we seek.  Our prayers should also be that others find that they can look to God and they too, will find peace.

 

Blessings for the day!

CH Mike