Last week I had my third prostate biopsy. The waiting begins again. I’ve heard the phrase “you’re too young for these numbers” about my PSA in every possible form, in two languages, from doctors, nurses and secretaries. The emotions of not knowing has an odd rhythm that changes from the time the doctor says something like ‘let’s check this out’ to the date of the procedure and again waiting for results. For me, this prayer reflects increasing uneasiness as time passes. It is one of 14 cancer-related prayers that will appear in my forthcoming book, Jewish Prayers of Hope and Healing. Others include: “For Cancer Treatment,” “Cancer Remission” and “On the Recurrence of Cancer.”

Waiting for a Pre-Diagnosis Biopsy and Results
G-d of health and healing,
Source of my life,
Has my body has turned against me?
Have my cells have become agents of disease?

G-d of my ancestors,
G-d of hope,
Grant me strength as I wait for [my biopsy][the results of my biopsy]
With dignity and resolve,
With [confusion /sorrow/anger/fear/doubt][and]
[____________________________ (insert words to describe your feelings)].
Stand with me as I await news and, if necessary,
Grant me the clarity to make sound choices
For my treatment and my life.
Grant my family comfort and relief.
In this time of uncertainty.

Ancient One,
G-d of old,
Provide my physicians knowledge and insight.
Give scientists and researchers tools and understanding
To develop new treatments for all forms of cancer,
Speedily, in our day.
Grant me courage.
Set my life on a path to wholeness and well-being.

© 2013 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.”

For usage guidelines and reprint permissions, see “Share the Prayer!” For notices of new prayers, please subscribe. Connect with To Bend Light on Facebook and on Twitter.

Photo Source: Roy Yeoman’s Charitable Trust

Tags: cancer, cancer diagnosis prayer, cancer recurrence prayer, cancer treatment prayer, healing, health, prayer when cancer returns