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Rev. Sharon Frank on releasing one back to God
Providing an Ear and an Open Heart
Often I look for prayers, poems, and blessings for special occasions at our Birthing Pavilion or Newborn Intensive Care Unit. When I can't find anything that speaks to the family's situation I find myself sitting in front of my computer reflecting on what has been shared and what the parents would like to hear. Pregnancy termination is a difficult topic for many and I find literature lacking in this area. Recently, I was with a parent who struggled to make a choice. Her Christian faith was apparent and provided great support, but she couldn't help but wonder if God thought the family's decision was the 'right' one. She wished to have the infant blessed upon delivery. So I listened and helped to facilitate her wish.
This is the prayer and blessing I created:
Saying Goodbye with a Blessing:
At times, O Lord, life is just unbearable. We are ordinary people living ordinary lives, until events make each day extra ordinary. Pray that your healing spirit will be with (names of parents) as they say goodbye to this baby. In love, they have released her back to you. At times, accidents happen within your earthly kingdom and we weep and we wonder why. We have been created less than the angels, and life at times brings on more than we can bear. O God, hold their broken hearts and help them to lean on their faith as they move through their grief. Be with them as they release not only this baby, but also the hopes and dreams they had for her. In that she could not be healed in the life, we pray that in her death she will be made whole. In our knowing that you, O God, are a part of all in life, these parents wish to have their infant blessed. Such a request speaks to the faith that they have. May you, O God, bless this child as we release her back to you.
The Blessing:
O God of the Crucifixion and resurrection, we come before you to ask for your blessings upon this child. May she/he hold a spot in heaven with your other angels. We give thanks for the hope of the resurrection, the promise of life eternal, where she/he now dwells. Little one, I bless you in the name of Jesus, who is our Lord and Savior. Amen
Chaplain Sharon A. Frank has been a Chaplain/ACPE Supervisor at Dartmouth Hitchcock Medical Center in Lebanon, NH, for 12 years. She was ordained an elder in the United Methodist Church in 1981 and is a member of the Northern Illinois Conference. She did her SIT training at Lutheran General Hospital in Park Ridge, Illinois, graduated from Hood College in 1977 and Garrett Evangelical Theological Seminary in 1980. She is a Board Certified Chaplain and a member of the System Centered Training Institute.
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