One of my favorite phrases in United Methodist liturgy resides in a prayer found in the Service of Death and Resurrection (the funeral liturgy). The phrase to which I am making reference is this prayerful petition: “Help me to live as those who are prepared to die.”
That phrase hits me hard every time I speak it. It compels me to ask some tough personal questions. Am I living as though I am prepared to die? Is my life structured as though I am ready to stand before the One who breathed life into my lungs? Are my priorities arranged so as to bear witness to my recognition of how precious and fragile and fleeting the human journey really is? Have I honored Christ with the life that has been entrusted to my care?
The other day, I ran across this story:
A British man who went on a wild spending spree after doctors said he only had a short time to live wants compensation because the diagnosis was wrong and he is now healthy — but broke.
John Brandrick, 62, was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer two years ago and told that he would probably die within a year.
He quit his job, sold or gave away nearly all his possessions, stopped paying his mortgage and spent his savings dining out and going on holiday.
Brandrick was left with little more than the black suit, white shirt and red tie that he had planned to be buried in when it emerged a year later that his suspected “tumor” was no more than a non-life threatening inflammation of the pancreas.
There is something strangely humorous about that story, I think. When confronted with his own mortality, Brandrick chose to live it up, blow it all, and throw a year-long party. What would I do if I believed that I only had a year to live? Or a day? How would I spend my time and money? What would I say to my beloved Tara? Mom and Dad? The people of the church? What kind of legacy would I leave behind?
Here, I suppose, is my deeper question: How might I begin to live with a sense of urgency and anticipation without having to be diagnosed with a terminal illness? How might I build a life of ever-increasing attentiveness to the things that matter most–the kind of life that bears witness to the eternity that God has prepared for us in Jesus Christ?
“Help us to live as those who are prepared to die.”
That is the prayer of my heart this day. Maybe every day.
Eric…thank you my friend for such an honest look at yourself and your ministry. In the past two years, I have contemplated many things including life and death. Having been in some dark places, I have emerged with a new perspective. Living as one prepared to die, to me, means seeing eternity break through in my life every day. I live as one prepared to die by understanding that the same Spirit that raised Christ from the dead lives in my mortal body now. The gift of eternal life is more than the promise of heaven…it is new life, transformation and spirit-filled community now. Does it always shine? No. But I have learned to catch glimpses more and more. I live as one prepared die, by doing my best to see the coming kingdom and the gift of life in everything I see and do. I hope that makes sense. It was a great post and really made me think about a phrase I have glossed over many times. Thank you!
Good thoughts my friend and also with baptism (I think you really brought home some great thoughts on the mystery of the sacrament). Madison often says in her own language that it was one of the greastest times of this last year (even though 10 hands gave her a bit of a scare). Sorry back to the subject of the day… The only thing that hit me about that guys story is now that he is not dying he’s decided to sue because of his party. That’s the awesome thing about the eternal reward — the english dudes party stopped after the money ran out — God’s party never stops… Have a great weekend. Grace and Peace, John
That will preach, Brother. I share that prayer with you on this beautiful weekend, when the shining sun speaks of LIFE and the days seem to defy our enemy death.
I guess he must be a fan of the Tim McGraw song “Live like you were Dying” Actually there are so many songs with this theme…I’m sure you have many come to mind….how about Garth Brooks song “If tomorrow never Comes”
Your topics always generate so many thoughts for me…unfortunaely in order to put them down in some logical, cohesive manner requires more time than I can usually devote. But I do appreciate the internal dialogue that you instigate for me.
Now, off to dig out that old CD so I can get these lyrics out of my head!
“Tuesday’s With Morrie” has a great quote, but becuase that book is in my office, I have to paraphrase.
Morrie said, none of us really believe that we are going to die. If we did, it would influence how we live. Once you come to terms with your mortality, then you can truly live.
I like that. Good stuff Eric.
Greetings Beloved Pastor:
An interesting topic. I recently read “Ship of Ghosts” and “The Last Stand of the Tin Can Sailors” both stories of heroism and sacrifice on the part of WW II sailors in the South Pacific. I contemplated what range of emotions the sailors were feeling facing combat. Some of them eventually faced 3 years as POWs, many lost their lives. I think it would certainly be easier to face life (and death) if I have a level of confidence that I will spent eternity in the presence of Jesus. It would help me to not fear death and to live as though I am not afraid to die. I believe that would require preparation so I can live as one prepared to die (i.e., settle accounts for my debt of sin now, tomorrow may be too late.) I think that would also prevent me from becoming fatalistic like the Brit on the wild spending spree.