Issue 28.10
A person dying from a terminal illness has time to reflect on their life. In some sense this is a blessing and a benefit compared to dying suddenly from a heart attack or a car/plane accident.
This grace of time brings its own challenges. As the person takes time to reflect on his/her life, they want to know several things: they are loved; they are able to unite with the family member; they are forgiven; they are able to forgive; and their life made a difference.
The Peace Prayer is a way the person can experience all these things, at least spiritually and in their own heart and mind and consciousness. It helps the dying to experience peace, meaning and connectedness through its words. Usually this meditation is best done with the caregiver reading it, allowing the dying person to think and meditate on the meaning of each word.
The Prayer of Peace
The first Word of Peace is: I love you. Say these words to yourself and think about all the people you have loved and who have loved you – whether they are here in this life or have moved on into a new and eternal life.
Second Word of Peace is: I forgive you. If someone has offended you or hurt you in some way, you want to forgive them now – knowing that each of us does the best we can do with what we have been given.
Third word of Peace is: Please forgive me. If there is anyone you feel you have offended in any way, say the words “Please forgive me.”
Fourth word of Peace is: Thank you. Thank you God, for the life I have had the opportunity to live.
Thank you for all the people in my life, and for the gifts, talents, skills and experiences you have given me.
The last word of Peace is: Goodbye. Say goodbye to all those folks you love and are leaving behind. Say goodbye spiritually to all the people who love you but are unable to be here in person with you.
None of us know the time or day when God will call us home. For those who do know they are close to dying, the Peace Prayer can help them prepare to cross into the next life, and feel at peace with themselves, with God and their neighbor.
Luigi Persichetti is the chaplain for Southern Utah Home Care and Hospice and the minister of the Unity Church of Positive Living in St. George.