World Day of the Sick

The following is found on the prayer card for World Day of the Sick, 11 February 2006, Adelaide, Australia.

I Am Here Now

Lord, when I’m feeling so sick and tired
lost in a fog, restless and wired
oh so alone, chilled to the bone
my cries of absence just sink like a stone.

Suddenly strangers and friends heed the call
weaving compassion connecting us all.
Arms of these angels bring warmth & esteem,
their labor of love birthing forth a new dream.

Words become flesh, I know not how.
A prayer, a promise, a vow:
simply, I Am here now. I Am here now.

Lord, when I ache I can’t contemplate,
you know my desire for you is so great.
I seek your presence & long for your face,
remembering tenderly your warm embrace.

You heard my cry & reached out your hand,
leading me back to that great promised land.
You opened my eyes, now I could see
it was you all along who were pursuing me.

Words become flesh, I know not how.
A prayer, a promise, a vow:
simply, I Am here now. I Am here now.

Lord, I can cling to the future & past,
but with you I can dwell in the present at last.
The great I Am whose flames never fade
is in you and me; that’s the way we were made.

With nothing to lose, I take off my shoes
& choose to be one with the Lord of good news.
In sickness & health, no matter to me,
we’re brothers and sisters in solidarity.

Words become flesh, I know not how.
A prayer, a promise, a vow:
simply, I Am here now. I Am here now.

Rod Accardi, Supervisor
National Association of Catholic Chaplains