Pray for John Paul II

With all the concern for Terri Schiavo I forgot to ask you to pray for Pope John Paul II. I realize that some Protestants and Evangelicals have issues with the Catholic Church on matters of doctrine and practice, however, I think that in the spirit of Christian love we can pray for this man who has stood for peace and justice in the world in such an uncompromising faith in God as the Vicar of Christ in Rome. He is suffering the ravages of Parkinson's Disease and from an infection that has affected his breathing and speech, yet he continues to hang on and do what he can for the flock of Christ that he has been entrusted to guide.

The suffering of John Paul II and Terri Schiavo are linked in some way at this time of Easter as we remember the sufferings of Jesus Christ. The personal suffering of these two people, at this time, remind me of how Christ suffered for all mankind to free man from sin and its wages. Though they are mortals and many others are also suffering at this time, they have become a public reminder that this is not our eternal home and that Jesus Christ makes it possible for us all to enter the blessed eternity with God. We Christians are to pray for one another, and Christ said that all who claim Him and serve Him are with us and not against us in the work of building the kingdom of God. All of this is a mystery and the work of God, surpassing the understanding of we mere mortals.

Our Father, who art in heaven, we hallow thy name, for You art Holy. Father, we ask that you grant grace to John Paul II as he suffers in his flesh at this time. We thank You for Your servant and his work in his capacity in leading the Catholic Church in Rome and around the world. May Your will be done in the life of John Paul II, whether healing or in coming home to you, in the name of Jesus Christ we pray, Amen.