Three days ago I posted a prayer to be said when an individual’s cancer goes into remission. Almost immediately, a friend emailed to say that her sister-in-law’s cancer has returned. This is from a series of nine prayers that I’ve written to be said at various stages of the disease. The prayers posted in this series so far include: “For Cancer Treatment,” “Cancer Remission” and two Hospice Prayers.
On the Recurrence of Cancer
G-d of Old,
Source of my life,
I am crushed and shattered
By the recurrence of cancer.
My cells have transformed,
Once again,
Into agents of disease.
G-d of wisdom and strength,
Have I lived in the illusion of false hopes?
Have I lived, unknowingly, in the shadow of borrowed time?
Have I been betrayed by my body?
By medical science?
By my will to live?
G-d of my ancestors,
G-d of health and hope,
Hear this prayer as I attempt to comprehend this moment,
As I contend with the potential for renewed pain and distress
On a journey toward wholeness of mind, body and spirit,
Or whatever else I face in the days ahead.
Grant me the clarity to make sound choices
For my treatment and my life.
Grant my physicians knowledge and insight
And caregivers skill and perseverance.
Grant scientists and researchers tools and understanding
To develop new treatments for this cancer,
And all cancers, speedily, in our day.
Grant me dignity in the face of suffering and affliction
And bless my family with peace.
Relieve their burdens.
Ease their minds.
Grant me a path to healing and recovery.
Ancient One,
G-d of old,
You are my Rock and Redeemer.
© 2012 Alden Solovy and www.tobendlight.com. All rights reserved.
Postscript: Other healing prayers include: “For Surgery,” “Upon Recovery from Surgery,” “For a Critically-Ill Child,” “For a Critically-Ill Mother,” “For a Critically Ill Father” and “For Healing the Spirit.” Thanks to the friends and family who assisted with writing the series of cancer prayers. Most asked not to be named. You know who you are. I appreciate your wisdom.
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Tags: cancer, cancer diagnosis prayer, cancer recurrence prayer, cancer treatment prayer, healing, health, prayer when cancer returns, renewal