There is a familiar theme in many prayers written by saints who have gone before us. It is noticeable in the prayer by the Polish-born reformer Zacharias Ursinus (1534–1583).
His prayer commences conventionally, with the acknowledgement to God the Father that we are weak - for we are being attacked by the Devil, the world and our own flesh unceasingly. The prayer includes the plea that the power of the Holy Spirit would keep and strengthen us, so that we would not be defeated.
However, the prayer concludes with a striking petition - that, by the power of the Holy Spirit, we would "remain persistent until we finally attain the complete victory and reign together with your Son, our Lord and Protector Jesus, in Your kingdom forevermore."
What can we learn from death doulas?
There is increasing interest as to what death doulas (who are also called end-of-life doulas, soul midwives, death coaches, dying …