Daily Meditation: Praying to Die Well

Praying to Die Well - from Henri Nouwen's Bread for the Journey Many people say, "I am not afraid of death, but I am afraid of dying."  This is quite understandable, since dying often means illness, pain, dependency, and loneliness. The fear of dying is nothing to be ashamed of.  It is the most human of all human fears. Jesus himself entered into that fear.  In his anguish "sweat fell to the ground like great drops of blood" (Luke 22:44).  How must we deal with our fear of dying?  Like Jesus we must pray that we may receive special strength to make the great passage to new life.  Then we can trust that God will send us an angel to comfort us, as he sent an angel to Jesus.   For further reflection ... "You believe at last!" Jesus answered.  "But a time is coming, and has come, when you will be scattered, each to their own home.  You will leave me all alone.  Yet I am not alone, for my Father is with me."  After Jesus said this, he looked toward heaven and prayed, "Father, the time has come.  Glorify your Son, that your Son may glorify you." - John 16: 31-32; 17:1 (NIV) Comment on this Daily Meditation. Click here to purchase audio recording of Caregiving from the Heart seminar.   Visit our website for inspiration, resources, news, events, community.     Text excerpts taken from Bread for the Journey, by Henri J.M. Nouwen, ©1997 HarperSanFrancisco. All Scripture from The Jerusalem Bible ©1966, 1967, and 1968 Darton, Longman & Todd and Doubleday & Co. Inc. Photo by V. Dobson. Scripture chosen by L. Yeskoo.

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