Mindful prayer

Father God: As I embark today on this next phase of treatment, I ask that you prepare me—body, mind and spirit—for whatever lies ahead. I trust the wisdom of your plan for my life, which you’ve shown repeatedly to be one of opportunity, challenge and blessing. This is but another occasion for me to reflect upon how character can be shaped by hardship and that character used to your glory. I rest secure in the knowledge that however this treatment regimen turns out, it will be by your design.

I pray that as my brain is shot through this day with radiation, you would preserve its function. You’ve created us wondrously. This includes giving us brains that have the innate capacity to heal and to compensate for the insults inflicted upon them. Protect my mind, and in particular my ability to form memories, the capacity to organize thoughts and to express them. Allow me, if it is your will, to continue to serve you by both word and deed.

Your spirit is upon me. I am at peace. I rest in the knowledge that the invisible substance of your being is literally within my body, including my brain--right down to its synapses. It is through you that I possess my sense of being. Thank you for loving me. May this day and the days ahead be a time of reflection on your great power and mystery. I lift this prayer to you in the name of your son, Jesus Christ.

Your child and servant, Peter.