THE POWER OF PRAISE

As I await the results of last week’s CT scan, may I share a bit more about the role that prayer has played during my cancer time. Early on in the battle, Terry and I resorted to the novena to the Canadian Martyrs for support and strength. We expanded our prayers to include a prayer to St. Peregrine, the cancer saint, to St. Joseph, our son’s patron saint and of course, the rosary. To some, the rosary is an endless repetition of formula prayers. However, for me, it has become a source of grace and a time of refuge.

At about the time we were awaiting the results of my bone marrow biopsy back in early September, Terry suggested that we start reading the Psalms.

“Why should we praising at a time like this,” I asked her naively.

“We have a lot to be thankful for. Just listen to this psalm I was reading last night,” she replied. I’m reminded my Xena’s power source comes from a crucifix, not a chakram.

Coincidently, at the very same time, a former teaching colleague, Marie Jutras, was sending me a psalm via e-mail.

Over the next few months, I began to realize the wisdom and value of psalms of praise.

Unlike Terry, I must admit that I’m sometimes a glass half-empty type of person. Praise is not my natural response to a flat tire on the 401 or a raccoon in my chimney, let alone cancer. However, I’m beginning to understand that praise heightens one’s awareness that distressing events are really God’s blessings in disguise. Praise is also a way to express and strengthens one’s faith and to acknowledge God as the source of all grace.

I’ve learned so many things during my cancer time out but nothing more important than this: One cannot praise and be fearful at the same time. Fear and praise both want to reside in the heart; fear in the heart of darkness, praise in the heart of light. The greatest defense against the terror of cancer, the terror of a future unknown, is the peace that comes from praising and trusting in God’s providence.

May I share with you my own personal prayer of praise, a simple refrain that has sustained me over my journey.

Sing glory to God, sing glory, all praise Him Alleluia. Sing glory to God, sing glory, all heaven and earth praise His Holy Name.

“Now my heart is troubled, and what shall I say?

Father, save me from this hour?

No, it was for this very reason I came to this hour.

Father, glorify your name!”

John 12: 27-28