Posts Tagged ‘prayer when cancer returns’

 

Cancer Fear

Posted on: December 2nd, 2013 by Alden

cancer-checkmark-horizI wrote this prayer after my doctor strongly suggested a third prostate biopsy. Fortunately, I was also able to write “After News of a Clean Biopsy” from my own experience. My new book, Jewish Prayers of Hope and Healing, will include 14 prayers to be used at various points along the cancer journey, including: For Cancer Treatment,” “Cancer Remission” and “On the Recurrence of Cancer.” In the coming weeks I will post another version of this prayer to be said on behalf of a family member or a friend.

Cancer Fear
G-d of Old,
I am overwhelmed with fear,
Devoured by terror,
At the news that [I may have cancer]
[My cancer may have returned].
This dread in my chest,
In my throat, in my heart and in my eyes,
Fills the core of my being
With a hungry panic,
Consuming my security,
Consuming my peace of mind.

G-d of health and healing,
Release me from worry and alarm
As I seek answers to challenging questions,
[Unbelievable questions,]
Unwanted questions.

Gracious One,
Grant me strength in these hours of uncertainty.
Grant me serenity as I wait for news.
Release my family and friends from worry
And make me an example of dignity and courage
Even as I live in the shadow of the unknown.

Compassionate One,
Let health and healing surround me.
Let health and healing surround all of Your children.

© 2013 Alden Solovy and www.tobendlight.com. All rights reserved.

Postscript: Related prayers include: “Waiting for a Pre-Diagnosis Biopsy and Results,” “After News of a Clean Biopsy,” “For Cancer Treatment,” “Cancer Remission,” “On the Recurrence of Cancer” and two Hospice Prayers.

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.

If you use this prayer, please take a moment to post a link to your Facebook page, your blog or mention it in a tweet.

Photo Source: She Knows Cares

Waiting for a Pre-Diagnosis Biopsy and Results

Posted on: September 15th, 2013 by tobendlight

cancer-colours-web-pageLast 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

On the Recurrence of Cancer

Posted on: July 18th, 2012 by tobendlight

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.

If you use this prayer, please take a moment to post a link to your Facebook page, your blog or mention it in a tweet. 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.

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