A Prince, a Princess, and Prayer

But you are a chosen people, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people belonging to God, that you may declare the praises of him who called you out of darkness into his
wonderful light.
—1 Peter 2:9-10

Once upon a time there was a handsome prince and a beautiful commoner … and so begins the story that recently captured the attention of the people of the world.

Ever wondered why you weren’t born into royalty? It is the desire of each young heart to be special, to stand out and be respected, to experience the attention of the many. May older hearts have the same desire.

I well remember the wedding of Prince William’s parents and thinking, "They are so fortunate, that simply being born into Royalty brings with it all the stuff I wish I had." I confess that because it is the lot of each of us to have an "envy" seed. A seed that if it takes root, changes your life from the sunshine of being thankful for what you have, into the darkness of a bitter scavenging, cynical attitude of entitlement. An attitude that centers on self and does not consider the needs of others.


My question of why was I not born into royalty is the wrong one. Consider the folk who live in the slums of Calcutta. They long to have a tiny portion of what I have. The real question should be "Why was I not born there?"

If I am this fortunate, to be in a land of plenty, with freedoms the masses of the world long to have…the question should be…"How should I live my life and help others in desperate need?"

This always brings me to prayer. Where in reflecting on the text above, I am reminded that I am royalty…a son of the King of Kings. So are you. If we are sons and daughters, belonging to God, how ought we to care for others? How ought we to live each day?

I invite you to join together this Thursday as we share in the National Day of Prayer. Services will be held in each of our hospitals and we will pray together.

My daily prayer is not as much about being blessed by God as it is to be a blessing to others.

In a few moments you will be caring for patients, families, physician partners and fellow employees who need the blessing you can be for them. You were born "you" for a purpose!