Matthew P. Binkewicz
Spiritual Care for Patients and Families.
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A Brief Guide to Spiritual Care

The following charts provide a brief summary of spiritual concerns associated with end-of-life. Patients and families may find answers to their specific needs in the scriptural verses and in the explanations that follow. All biblical quotations are from the King James Version of the Bible.

Spiritual Concern: Presence-Simply Being There
Scriptural Reference
O.T. Psalm 50 "A humble and contrite heart God will not despise."
N.T. John 19.25 "Now there stood by the cross of Jesus His mother, His mother's sister Mary-the wife of Clopas, Mary Magdalene, and the disciple (John) whom he loved."
  • Patients are always aware of another person's presence.
  • Patients need to know someone is there.
  • Presence brings comfort.
  • Presence is a gift that says "you matter."

Spiritual Concern: Presence-Developing a Relationship
Scriptural Reference
O.T. Proverbs 11:14 “Where no counsel is, the people fall; but in the multitude of counselors there is safety.”
N.T. Romans 12:10 "Be kindly affectionate toward one another with brotherly love, giving preference to one another."
  • Patients and families must get to know you.
  • Patients and families need to trust you.
  • Patients and families will rely on you once a relationship has been established.

Spiritual Concern: Presence-Learning to Listen
Scriptural Reference
O.T. Psalm 46 "Be still and know that I am God."
N.T. Mark 4:24 "Take heed what you hear with the same measure you use, it will be measured to you."
  • Patients and families need to be heard.
  • Effective listening instills trust and respect.
  • Listening opens up the heart and the mind.

Spiritual Concern: Presence-Words That Harm
Scriptural Reference
O.T. Proverbs 15:1 "Grievous words stir up anger."
N.T. Matthew 12:36 "Every idle word men speak they will give an account of it in the day of judgment."
  • Patients and families do not need trite expressions or quick fixes.
  • Avoid statements that are unrealistic or impossible.
  • No answer is a good answer.
  • Find an appropriate answer in consultation with others.

Spiritual Concern: Presence-Words That Heal
Scriptural Reference
O.T. Proverbs 10:13 "On the lips of him that has understanding wisdom is found."
N.T. Matthew 8:8 "Speak a word, and my servant will be healed."
  • Patients and families need to hear honesty with compassion.
  • Patients and families need realistic answers to complex issues.
  • Healing is not a cure, but it is the start of a new journey.

Spiritual Concern: Purpose-Prayer
Scriptural Reference
O.T. Psalm 5 "Give ear to my words, O Lord."
N.T. 1 Thess. 5.17 "Pray without ceasing."
  • Prayer brings comfort to patients and families.
  • Prayer communicates the needs and concerns of patients and families.
  • Prayer can be done in private or with others.
  • Prayer is often the “first line” of defense that patients and families have.

Spiritual Concern: Purpose-Life is Sacred
Scriptural Reference
O.T. Gen 1.26 "Let us make man in our image according to our likeness."
N.T. 1 Cor. 12 "Now you are the body of Christ."
  • There is a balance between quality of life and sanctity of life.
  • Every life has value in that it is made in God's image.
  • Every life has meaning.

Spiritual Concern: Purpose-Pain and Suffering
Scriptural Reference
O.T. Lam. 5.1 "Remember, O Lord, what is come upon us; consider, and behold our reproach."
N.T. John 9:2-3 "Who sinned, this man or his parents. Jesus answered, Neither."
  • Pain and suffering exists in this world as a result of fallen humanity.
  • Everyone has pain and suffering including the righteous and the saints.
  • Patients and families can realize some good from the pain and suffering in the long run.

Spiritual Concern: Purpose-Patience and Persistence
Scriptural Reference
O.T. Job 1.21 "The Lord gave, and the Lord has taken away; blessed be the name of of the Lord."
N.T. James 5.10 "Take the prophets as an example of suffering, affliction and patience."
  • Patients and families need to rely on you for strength.
  • Spend more time with patients and families.
  • Emphasize their strengths and try to provide tools for improvement.
  • Proper rest and quiet for care-givers and hospice staff.

Spiritual Concern: Purpose-Honesty
Scriptural Reference
O.T. Proverbs 12:17 "He that speaks truth shows righteousness."
N.T. John 8:32 "Be truthful in all things."
  • Honesty with compassion is the rule.
  • Respect the wishes of the patient and family.
  • Offer healing that brings closure; don't promise miracles.

Spiritual Concern: Purpose-Keeping an Open Mind
Scriptural Reference
O.T. Proverbs 31.9 "Judge righteously and plead the cause of the poor and needy."
N.T. John 8:11 "Neither do I condemn you; go and sin nor more."
  • Focus on the person not the illness
  • The history of the patient and family is just a part of the story.
  • No one is in a position to make moral judgment on anyone.

Spiritual Concern: Purpose-Death and the Soul's Journey
Scriptural Reference
O.T. 1 Kings 17:22 "And the Lord heard the voice of Elijah; and the soul of the child came into him again, and he revived."
N.T. Luke 16:31 "If they hear not Moses and the prophets neither will they be persuaded though one rose from the dead."
  • The soul's departure from the body signals death.
  • At the time of death, the soul journeys to a place of refreshment or to a place of torment.
  • Memorial service/prayers to commemorate the departed can be beneficial.

Spiritual Concern: Purpose-Mixed Emotions About God
Scriptural Reference
O.T. Jonah 4.1 "But it displeased Jonah exceedingly, and he was very angry."
N.T. Matt 26:75 "Before the cock crows, you will deny me three times."
  • Patients and families may voice their displeasure with God.
  • Offer patients and families an alternative way to worship/pray to God.
  • God forgives those who are angry (Jonah the Prophet and Peter the Apostle).

Spiritual Concern: Purpose-Dreams, Voices, and Other Phenomena
Scriptural Reference
O.T. Ezekiel1:28 "This was the appearance of the likeness of the glory of the Lord. And when I saw it, I fell upon my face."
N.T. Luke 24: 32 "Did not our hearts burn within us while He talked with us on the way."
  • End-of-life phenomena are real.
  • Patient or family member may experience them.
  • Be cautious in interpreting these phenomena.

Spiritual Concern: Purpose-Time for Caregivers
Scriptural Reference
O.T. Isaiah 41.1 "Keep silent before Me, O islands, and let the people renew their strength."
N.T. Matt. 14/23 "He went up onto a mountain apart to pray. And when evening had come, He was there alone."
  • All caregivers need to take time for their own emotional/spiritual heath.
  • Time alone allows one to renew and find peace.
  • Take 15 minutes each day for quiet reflection.

© 2005-2006 by Matthew P. Binkewicz