Prayers for Steven

When I was a kid, I had a best friend by the name of Michael. He and I spent every Summer from the time I can remember together. He and I were best friends. More like brothers than friends really. He was the closest thing I had to a kindred spirit.

When I was 15 or so, he died from a very aggressive form of Leukemia. He was part Native American, although his skin was as white as snow... so they could not find a bone marrow donor.

Michael died at 16. And I have been missing him ever since. It has been near 25 years now.

Before I was born, my mother lost her brother to Leukemia. My Uncle John lost his life at 33. He left behind a daughter and wife.

I would offer a prayer to God for all of those battling this disease. I would offer a prayer for all who have fought courageously only to lose their Earthly lives. I would offer a prayer for all who continue to wage this battle.

Almighty Father: Please Bless all those who struggle today in the face of this horrific disease. Please grant unto them the strength to persevere through their trials and to fight with alacrity. Please grant unto them the knowledge that they do not fight in vain. Please grant unto them spiritual and physical fortitude.

Christ Jesus: Please make your presence felt during each procedure, during each moment of doubt, during each treatment. Please stand with our brothers and sisters in Baptism, as they battle doubt, depression, despair. Please comfort each with the knowledge that this Earthly life is only a Pilgrim's road, no matter the outcome of their struggles. Please help them persevere in the Faith. Please help them to understand that when they fight, they demonstrate the highest order of human dignity to each who witness their battles.

Holy Spirit: Please grant unto our suffering brothers and sisters in Baptism the Grace of understanding that in suffering as they do... in suffering with the Christ as He carries the Cross and is nailed the the most Holy Cross... they in fact walk with the Christ and carry His Cross... they grow closer to the Christ Himself and become more and more like the Christ in their suffering. Oh Most Gracious Holy Spirit: grant unto our brothers and sisters a glimpse into the Divine Nature of the Christ Jesus, as they struggle to persevere in Hope, despite their struggles.

Oh, Virgin Mother: Stand with your children today. Lead them to your Son, our Lord, Jesus Christ. Comfort them in their affliction. Hold them close. Let them feel your presence.

Lord God - if it be your Will, heal Steven's body. If it be your Will to call him home, let your Beloved Son, our Lord, Jesus Christ, grant him Eternal Mercy.

We ask this, through Christ, our Lord, Amen