PRAYER WORKS! Acrostic for integrating prayer into nursing

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In the Christian Nursing 101 article Stand Firm with Prayer, we explore how authentic open communication with the Lord guides our response to our chaotic workplace.  Look for the article in Journal of Christian Nursing in April/June 2015.

In the meantime, check out creative ways to implement prayer into our daily nursing using the fun acrostic PRAYER WORKS.

P is for Presence—bring the presence of God to your daily work by offering spontaneous requests and thanks throughout the day. This is a form of living prayer.

1 Thess 5:17: pray always 1 Cor. 14:15: What should I do? I will pray with my spirit, but I will also pray with my mind. I will sing praises with my spirit, but I will also sing praises with my mind. Gal 5:25: If we live by the Spirit, let us also behave in accordance with the Spirit.

R is for Request—ask specifically for God’s insight. Whether it is a complicated patient, coworker, or a difficult situation—ask God for his eyes, heart and wisdom; then pray and act with His wisdom.

Romans 8:26-27: The same way, the Spirit helps us in our weakness, for we do not know how we should pray, but the Spirit himself intercedes for us with inexpressible groanings. And he who searches our hearts knows the mind of the Spirit, because the Spirit intercedes on behalf of the saints according to God’s will.

A is for Alert—be alert for opportunities to pray; colleague is worried about her marriage, friend shares their stress about their children—stop and pray with them.

Ephesians 6:18: With every prayer and petition, pray at all times in the Spirit, and to this end be alert, with all perseverance and requests for all the saints

Y is for Yield—yield to how God will use you through prayer. God will soften your heart for His will as he brings people and incidences to your mind. Be open to those who need prayer or a caring touch/word. Pray for them and then pray for them again, when you think of them.

1 John 2:5-6: But whoever obeys his word, truly in this person the love of God has been perfected. By this we know that we are in him. The one who says he resides in God ought himself to walk just as Jesus walked.

E is for Earnest—be earnest in your prayers. Commit to praying weekly for your institution and unit; or daily for pressing matters.

Luke 11:9-10: So I tell you: Ask, and it will be given to you; seek, and you will find; knock, and the door will be opened for you. 10 For everyone who asks receives, and the one who seeks finds, and to the one who knocks, the door will be opened. Romans 12:12: Rejoice in hope, endure in suffering, persist in prayer.

R is for Record—keep a prayer/praise list is a great way to remember and reflect on how the Lord is working your life.

Psalms 143:5: I recall the old days; I meditate on all you have done; I reflect on your accomplishment

W is for Word—use scripture in your prayers. The Psalms and the New Testament contain wonderful insight into how the word applies to our lives.

Psalm 119;18: Open  my eyes so I can truly see the marvelous things in your law! Verse 24: Yes, I find delight in your rules; they give me guidance. Verse 27: Help me to understand what your precepts mean! Then I can meditate on your marvelous teachings.

O is for Others—include your colleagues, managers, students, and prayer. Create a list and commit to pray for them daily.

Luke 6:28: pray for those who mistreat you.  Colossians 1:9; For this reason we also, from the day we heard about you, have not ceased praying for you… Ephesians 3:14: For this reason I kneel before the Father, from whom every family in heaven and on the earth is named. I pray that…

R is for Rejoice—gratitude and praise can be interwoven into our prayers and life. Be spontaneous with your praise and thanksgiving being reminded of Who continues to remain faithful and provide for us.

Phi 4:4: Rejoice in the Lord always. Again I say, rejoice! Psalm 69:30: I will sing praises to God’s name! I will magnify him as I give him thanks!

K is for Kingdom—we are part of the larger body of Christ and the work of God, so prayer for Christian nurses and health care providers locally, nationally and internationally.

Ephesians 6:18: pray for all saints. John 17:20: Jesus says, “I am not praying only on their behalf, but also on behalf of those who believe in me…”

S is for Sensitivity—when seeking to pray for patients be sensitive and complete a spiritual assessment, which includes finding out if Christian prayer is part of their spiritual life.

1 John 4: God is love and his love is in us thus, love our neighbors and love other Christians (paraphrased) 

NCFI Cares: Just A Sprinkle

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I New sproutslive in a part of the United States where there is a distinct difference between the “dry” and “wet” seasons. This is especially true since the past few years have been exceptionally dry and has left my neighboring hills and fields with the barren tundra of cracked dirt and parched grasses.  Thus, when those first drops of rain sprinkled across our thirsty landscape bringing just enough moisture to wet the pavement, the hard dirt gave way to small shoots of grass straining to find the sun. This small amount of moisture awoke the grasses in anticipation of nutrients and growth.

I couldn’t help but make the parallel to the human soul or spirit. Like the drought ridden dirt blown away and grasses with withering roots, a soul and heart can be barren without the nutrients of Christ. Whether it is a blade of grass or a dry soul, a drop is all that is needed to awaken the soul to spring forth in anticipation of the nutrients of a renewed soul.

Many times in the evangelical world we think that a non-Christian heart needs a bucket or river of water to bring growth, not necessarily. All life sprouts anew in response to a sprinkle of water. Imagine the greater miracle when the moisture is the living water of Christ (John 4:14; Rev. 7:17; 22:1).  Don’t worry about bringing the bucket or river of salvation. Just sprinkle God’s love to our drought-ridden communities and watch the fruit of the Spirit bloom!

1 Cor. 3:6 “I planted, Apollos watered, but God caused it to grow.”

Blessings for 2015

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NCFI Cares: Tangible Joy!

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Tangible Joy!

As we enjoy the advent hope and joy of the Christmas season, let’s keep in mind those who may be feeling isolated and alone. This is especially true for patients in a hospital, residents in care facilities, and/or anyone separated from their family and traditions. It is hard to find the Christmas spirit when people are grieving the death of a loved one, battling a chronic illness, or overwhelmed by distressing physical symptoms.

As health care providers we are each person’s connection to not only the joy of the season, but also the living heart of God. This holiday season reach out in tangible caring ways to bring the love of Christmas to someone in your nursing care. Maybe it is a small Christmas tree to decorate their hospital room, warm gloves and coat for a patient in your clinic, or spending time to reminisce with the older adult about their Christmas pasts.

These are just a few ideas and I am sure there are other tangible caring ways to connect with patients/families/residents during the holiday season. Please share your ideas or ways you bring the tangible joy Christmas to patients at NCFI Facebook

Merry Christmas from NCFI!

Luke 2:11 “Today your Savior is born in the city of David. He is Christ the Lord.”

 

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Memorializing Our Loved Ones

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Brooke photo

Brooke’s Hiking Group Bracelets

I was chatting with a student when I noticed she had a pink bracelet. She went on to share with me that a dear friend of hers, Brooke, had just passed away. The student had made their hiking group bracelets and then went to Brooke’s favorite hiking spot–to pray, meditate, and remember her. The group photo shows the hiking group wearing their memorial bracelets.

I am always touched and blessed by the amazing ways people honor those their deceased loved ones. Whether the loved one is friend, family, or colleague those of us who miss them want to honor them and connect with them. I have been collecting various ways that is done. I think part of the reason, is I want to find a way to memorialize my sister.

 

My SISTER bracelet & cowboy boot charm

I have included a picture of my SISTER bracelet, that is the exact match of hers. I had purchased them many years ago. When Debbie passed away, I retrieved hers to keep. I still wear mine at times.  I also have been collecting charms that remind me of her.

 

She was cowgirl and loved her cowboy boots–so when I was looking at various charms–I had to have this one.

 

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Sticker placed in Rear Car Window

 

I hope you enjoy a few ways I have discovered. I included a thoughtful way to share your love and loss with others–a memorial sticker.

 

 

Feel free share ways you honor or memorialize your loved ones

NCFI Cares: Looking for the One

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When I was new nurse working in a hospital I was shocked at the negativity that some of the nurses had towards their patients and their profession. I was excited to be a nurse and knew that the Lord had brought me through many personal trials to be able to graduate and become an RN. There were very few Christians around, so I also lacked fellow believers to guide and support me.

So, I prayed. I prayed against acquiring a bitter, complaining attitude (Eph. 4:31); and I prayed to keep the passion for nursing and a heart for patients God had given me (John 15:12). Then, one day I was reading a nursing type periodical and seen an advertisement to connect with a local Nurses Christian Fellowship in my area. I knew this was an answer to prayer. I immediately called the number and connected with other Christian nurses. This was over 22 years ago. Through my need and my prayers, as well as the group’s prayer, Jesus connected me to NCF USA. I am now part of NCFI and am connected to all of you—Nurses who love Jesus and love nursing!

I tell this story to remind all of us that there are nurses everywhere who need fellowship and support in maintaining their faith and passion for Christian nursing. They may feel discouraged and challenged to live out their love of Christ in their workplace. Jesus taught us to leave the 100 to find the 1 (Matt. 18:12). Thus we need to pray AND actively find ways to seek out those who need encouragement. Whether it is personally, locally, or nationally—seek out a sister or brother who needs YOU

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NCFI Cares: Resistant to Hope

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With burning hatred Saul traveled to Damascus seeking to imprison and destroy the radical disciples of the Way. During the journey Jesus miraculously intervenes and blinds Saul. Dazed and confused Saul spends three days in holy darkness amazed by his encounter with the Christ (Acts 9:1-9).

Biblical scholars are confident that Saul had met Jesus before. Even though scripture does not tell us, Saul knew about the labeled “trouble maker” Jesus. It is also quite possible Saul had seen Jesus perform miracles and heard his teachings. Nonetheless, Saul’s heart had remained resistant to the Messiah—Israel’s fulfilled hope. It took a drastic post-resurrection encounter with the All Powerful (Revelation 1:8) to expose Saul’s heart to the true identity of the Messiah.

We all have family, friends, and even colleagues who have closed their heart to the truth of Jesus. Like Saul they may know Jesus, but are blind to the grace and love found in our Savior (2 Corinthians 4:4). Let’s stay steadfast in prayer and love for those who need a powerful encounter to see beyond the man or the myth to experience the tangible hope found in Jesus.

Choose one person you can bring the love of Christ to.

Grace & Peace,

Carrie

When Hope Is Lost: Part 2

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In the Part 1, we loaded our backpack of hope with a various nursing interventions. In Part 2, we focus on bringing hope to our patients through spiritual care for both Christians and non-Christians. As followers of Christ, we may hesitate to provide spiritual care interventions for those of other faiths. This is where our spiritual care experts can be consulted. Whether it is a hospital chaplain or coordinator, these wonderful men and women are partners in encouraging our patients. They also have the time to sit and chat with a patient, a challenge for the busy aJCN Covercute care nurse.

Also, included with the article is Supplemental Digital Content–listing specific resources for nurses looking for additional books, websites, etc.

I would enjoy discovering other interventions in your backpack of hope–feel free to share other ways you facilitate hope for your patient.

 

Click on the JCN cover to see all the articles in Christian Nursing 101 Collection!

Dash of Poetry for the Holiday

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Tick, Tock,
I can hear the clock.
The calendar pages are ripping,
Day by day,
It comes.

Grave marker w/ xmas tree

Bright, lights
I can see the trees
The season is approaching
Gift by gift,
It comes.

Beat, Beat,
I can feel my heart
The anxiety is mounting
Step by step
It comes.

Grief, grief
I can feel my loss
The sorrow is drowning
Tear by tear
It comes.

Wait, stop
Reach for Him
The prayer is lifting
Moment by moment
It is here

 

*The holiday season can be a difficult time, especially after the death of a loved one. Reach out and get the care you need.  Here are links to my “go to sites.”

  • Kara specific for death of loved ones–all ages

The link includes “Holiday Survivorship Skills”

The link includes s/sx of grief, complicated grief, etc.

NCFI Cares: Hope that Shines

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As I write this, the world news includes devastating volcano in Japan, militant wars in Syria, student protests in Hong Kong, and if that isn’t enough an ever spreading Ebola virus. It is hard not to get worried or anxious about these and other troublesome current events. Yet, fear is exactly what steals our hope and sends us in a panic. Fear or worry comes from ourselves and the Enemy (Romans 8:15; 2 Timothy 1:7). Instead, the Lord gives us strength, courage and peace (1 John 4:8). “I have said these things to you, that in me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation. But take heart; I have overcome the world.” (John 16:33)

No matter what is happening in our community, nation, or across the globe, God is in charge. His hand is still on the calendar and he knows exactly what is occurring (Isa 14:27; Psalm 33:11; Prov 19:21). In fact, our work for the kingdom, nor his plan never changes. It may currently look different and take place in unsafe areas, but our purpose is the same—to be the hands and heart of Jesus to our patients and colleagues.

Let’s continue to outwardly express our confidant joy in hope maintaining a steadfastness in faith while continually persisting in prayer for one another (Romans 12:12). So that, our firm faith can be a hopeful light to others during these scary times.

Grace & Peace,

Carrie

Healing is a necessary process

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What a great reminder that healing is a process and even more so for the “wounds of the heart.” I was mentioning to a fellow author writing about grief…Grief lasts a lifetime. For we (the living) continue on experiencing our life void of our loved ones.