Cry Out to Jesus, November 14
Inside the Cancer Journey: Daily Reflections for Those Coping with Cancer
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By David Gira
The Lord has heard my cry for mercy; the Lord accepts my prayer (Psalm 6:9 NIV).
Psalm 6 is King David’s prayer for healing. He is seriously ill. Death is imminent. Pain is severe, intense, and never-ending. Crying and groaning, his strength, energy, and vitality slip away. His suffering extends far beyond the physical to the corners of his mind and the depths of his soul.
How do we pray in times such as this? “God is great; God is good?” The Lord’s Prayer? Prayer formulas like A.C.T.S. (adoration, confession, thanksgiving, and supplication)? Praying Scripture, breath prayers, or the Rosary?
While all these prayers have their place and can be helpful, when you are in agonizing pain, possibly lying outside death’s door, you may need something different. You may need sloppy, unorganized cries to God!
We find several cries within Psalm 6. Lord, don’t rebuke me. Don’t be angry. How long? Heal me. Help me! Save me! Where are you, God? David’s prayers are heart-wrenching and emotional. “All night long I flood my bed with weeping and drench my couch with tears” (vs. 6). He makes no attempt to keep his composure. His tears are prayers.
God knew there would be times when cancer might leave us with no words, only groans. We may not have the strength or ability to speak at all or think. St. Paul reminds us that when we don’t have the slightest idea how or what to pray, “the Spirit helps us” and “intercedes for us through wordless groans” (Romans 8:26 NIV).
As King David is seeking healing from God, his emotions are all over the place. In ancient times, it was commonly believed that illness was evidence that God was angry with you. David’s emotions carry the extra weight of asking God to not be angry with him (v. 1). Yet, three verses later, David proclaims God’s unfailing love will deliver him from his burdens. His illness and his fears are so powerful that you sense them as you read this psalm. Still David is resolved: God loves him with an unfailing love.
Finally, David tells us he knows that God listens. “The Lord has heard my cry for mercy; the Lord accepts my prayer” (v. 9). Having confidence God heard his prayers gives David faith. God will respond. The same is true for us.
Today, as we pray, we are in awe that someone who knows us completely is sitting in the chair just to the right of God’s throne, speaking up for us into God’s ear (see Romans 8:34). Jesus Christ saved us on the cross and then became our prayer intercessor right there in the throne room of God.
So as you pray, know that with each prayer the Spirit intercedes for all you cannot say and Jesus intercedes for all you need.
Pray: Lord Jesus, help me and hear me when I pray. I thank You that a cry, even a groan, is enough for You. Help me to know You better and to freely share my needs and feelings with You. In Jesus’ name I pray. Amen.
Your Turn: The worship song “Cry Out to Jesus” by Third Day pairs beautifully with today’s devotion. I hope it inspires you to cry out to Jesus.
Michael David Gira, Jr., Cancer Survivor
David was an ordained United Methodist Pastor and graduate of Duke Divinity School. He and his wife, Amy, lived in Raleigh, North Carolina with their three children. In 2017 he was diagnosed with stage four lung cancer. In his book, How Cancer Cured Me, he shares many ways he experienced God’s healing. After a seven-year battle with cancer, David is now joyously singing praises in God’s glorious throne room. His legacy lives on through his writing for Cancer Companions, as he continues to proclaim Christ’s hope and healing power to others experiencing cancer. https://www.davidgira.com/how-cancer-cured-me
Cancer Companion’s vision for the future is for every person impacted by cancer to know the hope, love, and grace of Jesus and that every oncology team has included faith in their treatment toolbox. By 2033, Cancer Companions will provide 5 million engagements through cancer prayers, scriptures and interactions to those impacted by cancer. Engagements include; social media outreach, e-newsletters, prayer team requests, 30 days of Cancer Prayer event, and volunteer connections.
To learn more about our ministry and the services we provide visit our website by clicking here.
