## 56:3
%% 4
> When I Am Afraid
>> When I am afraid, I will put my trust in you.

Occasion: Before a big surgery

The dreaded day has come, Lord.
The band on my wrist is tight.
My gown hangs loose.
My gurney will soon roll toward the unknown.

I knew this day was coming,
but I'm still not ready for it.
My body is tense.

Hold me steady as I give myself to the care of others.
Help me trust You with what I cannot know
and cannot control.

Fear makes me study every face,
strain at every sound,
grasp at every word I half understand,
as if keeping watch could keep me safe.
You know how exposed I feel,
how difficult it is to let go
when so much seems to depend on what happens next.

Give me peace in the hands around this bed.
I know they are skilled.
I know I can trust their care.
I know all the reasons I should not be afraid.
And yet...

Stay near when I can no longer keep watch for myself.
Let mercy meet me on the other side of sleep.

I am giving myself over to others, Lord.
So in this moment,
with all the trust I have
and all the fear I still carry,
I give myself over to You most of all.

Amen.