| I have often reflected on how I felt during the | | | | personal bible study or devotional time. |
| time I was hospitalized for a long time. From that | | | | Don't be judgmental with them. Such as is "God is |
| experience I became committed to visiting others | | | | angry at you because..." |
| in the hospital. As an elder, deacon and artist I | | | | Please keep the devotional short. Remember the |
| have learned some ways to make the visit to a | | | | person may be on strong medicine and need to |
| hospital, nursing home or rehabilitation facility a | | | | rest or may not have a long attention span. |
| healing experience. Here are seven suggestions. | | | | 4. PRAYER |
| 1. LISTEN | | | | Ask the person if they would like to have prayer. |
| Take the time to BE PRESENT with the person | | | | Here are some suggestions for things to pray |
| and LISTEN to their needs. This means leaving | | | | about. |
| your own issues and garbage at the entrance to | | | | For them, the hospital, nursing home or |
| the facility. Just like a football game or an action | | | | rehabilitation center. Nursing care, wisdom for the |
| packed movie demands total attention the same | | | | doctors, medicines and all the things that might |
| is true with the person you are visiting. | | | | bother them while they are there. |
| One of the ways you can show your presence is | | | | The patient will often tell you some of their |
| with your body language. Maintain eye contact, | | | | specific prayer requests. If possible carry a small |
| (Unless it is culturally inappropriate). Also, try not | | | | notebook and record those requests. Let the |
| to look at your watch. Trust me the patient will | | | | person know you will be continuing in prayer for |
| know if you if your mind is on them or your next | | | | them. |
| appointment. | | | | 5. USE YOUR GIFTS |
| AVOID asking them the details of their problems. | | | | Can you draw, sing, play an instrument, and make |
| They will usually volunteer that it they feel | | | | bible stories come alive, or tell stories of |
| comfortable with you. So often people visit a | | | | encouragement? (Sorry gossip does not count) I |
| person and drill them on their condition. It not only | | | | often enjoy sharing photos or mini-art prints for |
| is a private matter but the person often tires of | | | | the walls of the room. |
| repeating everything to everyone who asks. | | | | My wife enjoys singing and sharing stories with |
| The exception, of course, may be the senior | | | | humor and encouragement. |
| citizen who may not get many visitors. (Of | | | | Find a way to share whatever gifts you have. |
| course that means that more time should be | | | | 6. SHARE RESOURCES |
| scheduled for the visit or more visits should be | | | | There is often a need for financial resources. If |
| made) | | | | you are able, offer help with the cost of the TV |
| 2. SERVE | | | | or PHONE if needed. Also, if the patient could |
| Ask the patient if they need anything such as a | | | | benefit from a small radio or CD player to hear |
| drink, etc.... Very often, there may be a shortage | | | | music provide it to them. |
| of staff to provide the continuous attention | | | | 7. BE "PRAYED UP" |
| needed. You may be walking thru the door at just | | | | This is probably the most critical thing you should |
| the right time! | | | | do. Just think about it. How can you shake loose |
| Pay particular attention to how well the person is | | | | your personal issues and concentrate on the |
| able to feed them. If assistance is needed-help | | | | person you are visiting? Pray before you make |
| them. Note that fact and inform others you know | | | | the visit. Ask the Holy Spiritfor His help. So often |
| who are planning to visit. As a result, future visits | | | | your perspective will change about the personal |
| can be scheduled around the food serving times. | | | | stuff you were dealing with before you made |
| 3. SHORT DEVOTION | | | | that visit. |
| Start now gathering short scriptures of | | | | The objective is to leave the person with the |
| encouragement that can be shared whenever | | | | knowledge that you care and a positive healing |
| you visit someone. You do not have to be a | | | | experience. |
| minister to do this. Consider some of the | | | | Thanks for CARING. |
| scriptures that have encouraged you in your | | | | |