Module 1 · Part 4 of 5
Pray without ceasing.
— 1 Thessalonians 5:17
We can't emphasise enough that a person's mental approach to becoming well is very closely linked to their physical progress. A person with a developed Christian faith can have a mental attitude to illness that's positive, and can play an important part in healing. At the same time, some may have a "fearfulness" at being found unworthy — meaning their understanding of forgiveness isn't developed, and the appearance of a strong faith may be superficial. This can result in an unhelpful spirituality.
Leaving Christian spirituality aside, a friend with a positive and practical view of life can also influence the degree of their recovery. Whatever the spiritual view of the person is, it's a carer's responsibility to respect this, without necessarily agreeing with it.
Prayer is a vital element in the function of being a friend. We recognise that we need God's help in our work.
This might seem an issue more suited to a course in psychology than an introduction to pastoral caring. However, caring can be a very distressing time for the carer as well as the cared-for. A sensitive carer will be moved emotionally by the predicament of the sick person. In preparation for your role as a friend, it's important to think about your own emotions with regard to a very sick or grieving person — and to try to talk to someone who knows how to listen, and understands the role you're embracing as a carer. The video in this section should help you understand a little more about this. Please note there will be no questions on this video, but do view it and think about how the issues apply to you.
Something to think about. What is your personal, emotional reaction, for example, to caring for a person who: a) has had a leg amputated; b) is in severe abdominal pain as the result of surgery; c) is having chemotherapy for cancer; or d) is despondent because they feel "old" and "useless"? The value in this thinking is that you'll need to put yourself in the person's shoes and try to imagine how they're feeling.
Continue to the next part of Module 1.