“I give thanks to my God at every remembrance of you, praying always with joy in my every prayer for all of you” (Philippians 1:3)<br/><br/>
St. Paul’s view can be a model for those engaged in hospital pastoral work.<br/><br/>
It is not easy for people inflicted with disease to feel grateful. However, people around them can help bring out this message by really living up to the model.<br/><br/>
There was once lived at a nursery home an elderly gentleman who was very hot-tempered.  Everyone tried to avoid him.  However, as time went by, the elderly gentleman became easy-going and calmed down.<br/><br/>
People were curious as to why he had changed that much and tried their best to find out the reasons.  They eventually realized that his change was due to a newly-hired cleaning lady.  She greeted every elderly resident with a smile when she was working, and, when she was about to go home after work, she would very softly say “peace be with you!” to every resident there.<br/><br/>
The lady’s greeting with a joyful heart has positively changed the elderly gentleman’s attitude.<br/><br/>
To those engaging in hospital pastoral care, prayer is even indispensable, and they shall pray with a heart filled with gratitude and joy. <br/><br/>
These pastoral ministers can be easily influenced by what is around them.  This may sometimes amount to challenges on their faith.  If they do not pursue a life of prayer, they will easily fall into the abyss of despair.<br/><br/>
If one has colleagues working in the same place, praying together benefits everyone even more.