Psalm 143 From the prayer desk of Rev. Deacon Gary
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Today is Thursday 5th of February 2010.
Theology of Dying
Different people of
different faith and culture approaches
the dying in almost parallel ways.
For death is universal and inevitable
experience, that fear of dying and
journey to the unknown is realistic and
inescapable.
I was told that the ancient ritual of building a bonfire, dancing and noise shouting and beating of the drum is
a way of driving evil spirit from the dying and a preparation to enter into life here after. This mythical story
could be seen in their burial ground and illustrations in the cave, that death is a journey to another unknown
life hereafter. They buried with them toils to depend themselves, food, and fruits for their journey.
The Christian deals with death and dying with fear and grief. Prayers are said in the community and even at
the bedside in many places. In the Philippines, family and friends pray the rosary and recite prayers to drive
away the devil and invoke the Blessed Mother to carry the dying soul to his Son Jesus Christ.
Interestingly the Hebrew say "Kaddish" which I will share with you, as they approached the dying person.
Indeed it is universal that the more we spend time with the dying, the more we relieve the fears, pains and
even anxieties of the dying and their family around.
The three basic element of caring the dying is to listen carefully if they have any story or wishes to share.
Since hearing is the last sense to disappear, they expressed their pleasant experiences with the dying and
they express forgiveness for any misunderstanding that they know off. Touching the body is like anointing
and has a very comforting feeling to the dying and to their family and friends.
After the psalm: I will share the Kaddish prayer with you. For me it is very touching, and I will be using this
prayers in approaching the dying as chaplain. It is also a healing prayer.
Please share your reflections, click reply.
Antiphon
To you, O Lord, I will lift up my soul;
come and rescue me, for you are my
refuge and my strength.
My brothers and sisters in Christ, Good Morning !
To prepare ourselves for today's journey, lets call to mind our sins, and ask God for forgiveness for he is full
of gentleness and compassion.
Lord have mercy.................Lord have mercy.
Christ have mercy....................Christ have mercy.
Lord have mercy.................Lord have mercy.
May the Almighty God have mercy on us, and forgive our sins and lead us to life everlasting, Amen.
Psalm 143
Lord, listen to my prayer:
turn your ear to my appeal.
You are faithful, you are just; give answer.
Do not call your servant to judgment
for no one is just in your sight.
Psalm prayer:
Lord Jesus, early in the morning of your resurrection, you made your love known and brought the first light of
dawn to those who dwell in darkness. Your death has opened a path for us. Do not enter judgment with
your servants; let your Holy Spirit guide us together into the land of justice. Amen.
Kaddish Prayer
My God and God of all who have gone before me, Author of life and death,
I turn to You in trust.
Although I pray for life and health, I know
that I am mortal.
If this life must soon end, let me die,
I pray at peace.
If only my hands were clean and my heart pure.
I confess that I committed many wrongs and left so much undone,
Yet I know also the good that I did and tried to do.
May those acts give meaning to my life, and may my errors be forgiven.
Protector of the bereaved and the helpless, watch over my loved ones, in whose souls my soul is bound.
You are my Rock and my Redeemer. the Source of mercy and truth.
Into Your hands I commend my spirit.
Shema Yisrael Adonai Elohenu Adonai Echad.
Hear O Israel, Adonai is our God. Adonai is One.
Adonai is our God, Adonai is our God. Amen
Reflections:
1 King 2:1-4
When we think of David, we think of a shepherd, poet, giant killer, king, ancestor of Jesus...in short he is the
greatest men in the Old testament. But their is also the bad side of David. He is betrayer, liar, adulterer,
murderer.
The first list gives us his qualities which we might like to have. The second list qualities that might be be true
to all of us. Yet David confesses his faults from the heart and his repentance was genuine.
David, whose life exemplified obedience, gave well-seasoned advice to his son, the next king. It would be up
to Solomon to follow it.
Say one "Our Father and Hail Mary" for our individual intentions and the healing intentions of this prayers.
Have a nice day,
Deacon Gary
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