Purr…sistent Prayer, September 30
Inside the Cancer Journey: Daily Reflections for Those Coping with Cancer
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By David Gira
Ask and it will be given to you; seek and you will find; knock and the door will be opened to you (Luke 11:9 NIV).
Every morning our cat, Wesley, stands just outside the door to our home. As soon as he hears me (or with his super sensor whiskers detects me tiptoeing past) he stands up on his hind legs. He stretches up as high as he can reach, until his paws practically touch the doorknob, and begins to feverishly scratch away at the door.
It is a horrible sound, especially before a peaceful moment to enjoy my coffee. It is unsightly, as well. Over time, he has scratched and ruined the door’s paint and shredded the weather stripping.
Wesley has one objective. It is not because he longs to come and snuggle with me. He wants me to come out and feed him. He’s a big cat. Envision a sumo wrestler. He loves food. When I tried switching him to the budget brand, he went on a hunger strike. One morning, he somehow pushed the door open and came looking for me!
Our daily ritual does not bring me joy. I’m becoming more of a dog person every day. Nonetheless, Wesley’s persistence always pays off. Every morning he scratches, and I come out and fill his bowl with Fancy Feast.
In Luke 11, Jesus concludes his teaching on prayer with a story about a man knocking on his friend’s door and asking for food. (What a purr-fect transition!)
I know you’re in there. Help me please. I’ve got company. I have nothing to feed them. I need a loaf of bread for my friend, and one for me, and one more to spare.
It’s midnight. The man is inside. His kids are in bed asleep. He pleads for the man to go away. But the man at the door continues banging and begging.
It is a bold request. The timing is terrible. And one extra loaf?! Nonetheless, Jesus says because of his “shameless audacity,” his friend will surely get up and give him as much as he needs (Luke 11:8 NIV).
For those struggling with cancer, hungry for healing, Jesus’ teaching offers encouragement and guidance for prayer. First, be persistent in prayer. No matter how things are going, good scans or not, keep making your requests known to God. “Pray without ceasing” (1 Thessalonians 5:17 ESV).
God wants you to come to Him. You are neither a frustrating friend nor a food-fussy feline. You are His beloved child. Jesus encourages us to pray: “Ask and it will be given to you; seek and you will find; knock and the door will be opened to you” (Luke 11:9).
Second, Jesus answers our prayers. He will open the door and give you what you need—and probably more. He will give you “good things” (Matthew 7:11)—love, joy, peace, patience, and all the fruit of the Holy Spirit (see Galatians 5:22-23).
Keep believing, asking, and knocking!
Pray: Lord, since cancer’s arrival into my life, I’ve never had more needs. I’m starving for healing and hope. Thank You for always receiving me and providing for my needs. Amen.
Your Turn: “You’ll Come” by Hillsong remains a favorite of mine. Listen and reflect on the ways God has come to you in the past. Ask Him to come again into your present life experience. Give Him your worship, praise, and trust.
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 7 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.
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