In my work as an emergency room nurse I meet a wide variety of people – some in circumstances with unusual situations. I often pray when I am faced with these difficult situations, whether it be for someone who is scared, hurting, disoriented, facing life and death situations, misbehaving, being violent, having lost all their patience, homeless, being abused or abusive to others, abusing drugs, or facing a tragedy or extreme suffering.
I pray for strength from God to help me be understanding, and to have patience with each individual, family and friend. I pray that I can help them through the crisis, however big or small. I have trouble understanding how a person could get themselves into some of these situations. I am selfish in these prayers mostly. I pray for myself – to help me be what Jesus would want me to be, and to be an example of what I want my life to be through him.
I fall short so many times. I think and say things I wish I had not. I do not show the mercy God shows me. I pray for mercy.
Have mercy on me, O God, according to your steadfast love, according to your abundant mercy blot out my transgressions. Psalms 51:1
I have great opportunities to do good and to help others. I feel so overwhelmed sometimes in my little work world. I think about the huge situations in the world. I pray for those in Haiti, although I am not there I will offer my prayers for those helping others. I think I have a small glimpse of those helping, but really, I probably don’t have any idea – thinking of my controlled clean work area with needed supplies and staff to help.
Dear Lord, please give me the strength, patience, understanding and knowledge to help others. “…according to your abundant mercy blot out my transgressions. Create in me a clean heart, O God, and put a new and right spirit within me.” (Psalm 51:1, 51:10) “You desire truth in the inward being; therefore teach me wisdom in my secret heart” (Psalm 51: 6). Amen.
