Spirituality helps people find hope in the midst of despair. The relationship with a transcendent being or concept can give meaning and purpose to people’s lives, to their joys and to their sufferings. Spirituality is concerned with living one’s life at a deeper level, seeking meaning and purpose in life. Persons find that their spirituality helps them maintain health and cope with illnesses, traumas, losses, and life transitions by integrating body, mind, and spirit.
~ Cindy Hoy Director of Pastoral Care Services
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(From "Your Sorrow is my Sorrow" p.42)
"Facing the Unknown" by Joyce Rupp
Kind and caring God,
my once secure life
now holds tremendous change.
Come into my turmoil
and quiet my anxiety.
Be there with the gifts
of your peace and guidance.
Let me not be overwhelmed
with fear of the unknown.
Grant me the ability
to face what awaits me.
Take my hand and assure me
that you will always be with me,
no matter what the future holds. |
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"Feeling Shock at the News" by Joyce Rupp
Faithful Shelter,
my life has suddenly changed.
I feel numb and unbelieving,
stunned and alarmed.
It does not seem possible that my life
could be so quickly turned upside down.
Comfort me, Abiding Companion.
Wait with me while I try to grasp the truth.
Slowly reveal to me what I need to accept.
As the layers of the days ahead unfold
keep me safe in the shelter of your love.
Abide with me, abide with me. |
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(From "Your Sorrow is my Sorrow" p.84)
"Searching for Our Self" by Joyce Rupp
Good Shepherd, who finds the lost one,
the "me" I have known has disappeared.
Will I ever recover the person I have been?
Will I find who I am, and who I am becoming?
Protect me in this great vulnerability.
Assure me that I will come home to myself
even though my “self” may be different.
Silence my impatience. Calm my worry.
Restore my joy. Dispel my negativity.
Help me to befriend my new self with hope. |
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(From "Your Sorrow is My Sorrow" p.106)
"Encountering Depression" by Joyce Rupp
Giver of Life,
I am in the wasteland of depression.
I cry out to you, Source of Solace,
as I meet this empty void within me.
Sustain me as I try to exist
in this day-to-day dying
of my energy and vitality.
Wrap your arms around me.
Carry me through this bleak journey.
Help me to stay open to your love.
I rely on you. I lean on you.
I trust you to hold me close
as I stumble on this joyless path. |
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p.147 "God’s Embrace" by Joyce Rupp
Guardian of the Wounded,
wrap me in your embrace.
Hold me close to your heart
and assure me of your love.
Protect my sore spirit.
Ease the pain that it holds.
You are always ready
to embrace me,
no matter how hurt or desolate
my heart may be.
I will trust you with my pain.
I will rest in your solace.
I will take refuge in your love. |
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p.149 "Experiencing Loss" by Joyce Rupp
All-Embracing Love,
your circle of strength
is around me.
I ask for grace to yield
to the reality of this loss.
I pray to surrender
to what cannot be changed.
I beg for deliverance
from the emotional drain
and the unending sadness
that this loss has brought me.
Let peace return.
Let hope begin.
Let comfort be mine. |
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