Inside: It’s sometimes hard to know what to say when we’re praying for friends or relatives who are dealing with medical issues. These suggestions might help. ~
After my bike accident last year, my right eye stopped watering. It wasn’t completely dry, so I could still wear my contacts. But when I would normally cry, no tears flowed down that side of my face.
Thinking there might be an underlying medical issue related to the head injuries I had suffered, I decided to visit an ophthalmologist rather than my regular optometrist.
The numerous physicians I saw during that season of recovery demonstrated varying levels of bedside manner, but this guy was the absolute worst. He took a quick look at my eye, said he saw tears and informed me that nothing was wrong.
Even as I tried to explain more, he was heading for the door with his phone in his hand.
I later learned that humans have three kinds of tears—emotional tears, which my right eye stopped producing for many months after the accident; reflex tears that wash away irritants; and basal tears, which keep our eyes lubricated. (Fortunately for me, the latter were not affected by my injuries.)
Learning from Experience
In terms of my overall recovery, my lack of tears was a minor issue. But that unpleasant encounter with the ophthalmologist got me thinking about what makes good medical care—and what detracts from it.
Over the last several months, I’ve had friends waiting to see specialists, loved ones navigating complex health issues, and friends with relatives going through medical crises. God knows what they need, and we can trust that He will provide it. That said, my recent experiences with doctors—what was helpful or frustrating, what I appreciated, what I wished would have happened—are guiding my thoughts as I pray for these people.
Asking God to “be with so-and-so during this time” is a good start, but sometimes, I like to be more specific. Every situation is different, of course. Praying for someone with an angry sore throat isn’t the same as praying for a cancer patient or a person with an undiagnosed problem.
As I think about friends and loved ones dealing with medical issues, though, I pray that their doctors will exhibit certain traits or qualities during upcoming appointments. If you’ve ever found yourself wondering how to pray for someone facing a health issue, I hope the following list helps you too.
5 Helpful Traits
• Competence. We’d like to think this is a given for all medical professionals, but in reality, some physicians are more competent than others. This includes a willingness to admit when a different doctor would be helpful.
• Compassion. If we had to choose between a competent doctor and a compassionate one, most of us would probably choose the former. That said, a kind bedside manner can make a huge difference to a patient and his or her family, particularly during tense or uncertain situations.
• Curiosity. When my loved ones are dealing with a complicated medical problems, I want their doctors to be curious and willing to think outside the box about what might be wrong.
• Creativity. Once a problem is diagnosed, I pray for creativity to determine a solution, whether it’s a tried-and-true treatment or something more innovative.
• Clarity. This is helpful when it comes to understanding the problem and how to correct it, as well as in explaining the diagnosis and treatment to the patient and his or her family.
Your Turn
How do you pray about medical appointments—for your loved ones or for yourself? What would you add to my list? Please share in the comments.
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No Post Here Next Week
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♥ Lois
As I think about friends and loved ones dealing with medical issues, I pray that their doctors will exhibit five specific traits during upcoming appointments. Share on X When my loved ones are dealing with a complicated medical problems, I want their doctors to be curious and willing to think outside the box about what might be wrong. Share on XP.S. I’m linking up this week with InstaEncouragements and Let’s Have Coffee.