By Pr. Rhoda Klein Miller
I lost my father to cancer shortly after his 60th birthday. When I first got the news of his diagnosis I prayed like I never have before. I prayed with my eyes squeezed so tight I felt they would implode. I prayed with my hands clasped so tight marks from my fingernails lingered for days. I stayed on my knees till my legs went numb and I toppled over sideways. I don’t remember much of the words that tumbled from my heart but I do recall I ended the prayer with “work a miracle or show Your mercy, Your will be done.” That became my succinct petition nearly every day for the next three years.
I don’t believe it is ever God’s will that His children suffer. However it is the Enemy’s will to pierce our Good Shepherd’s heart and drive a wedge between us. God’s will is that we trust His loyal love and promised hope of eternal victory. He will save us even if full relief and restoration is delayed.
Prayer is one of the most profound ways we connect with God. It is not just a means to present our requests but also an avenue for us to experience His peace, guidance, and presence, even in the most challenging circumstances. My father’s journey with cancer is a testimony to the transformative power of prayer, not because it removed the disease but because it brought healing in ways we never anticipated.
When my father was diagnosed with cancer, the prognosis was grim. Doctors gave him only a few months to live. As a family, we were heartbroken and unsure of how to navigate the looming reality. The pastor held an anointing prayer service at the hospital. It was the first time I had ever been part of one. My Dad, uncomfortable being the center of attention, did not speak but the pastor read his favorite Bible texts from Romans 8. “I consider that our present sufferings are not worth comparing with the glory that will be revealed in us…For I am convinced that neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons neither the present nor the future, nor any powers…will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord” (v 18, 38-39). Not even the power of cancer. It was only the second time I saw tears running down his cheeks.
Although my father did not experience complete healing, something remarkable happened. Through prayer, we found inexplicable peace and grace. My father had a period of remission and enjoyed more years and quality of life than doctors had predicted. These months were not just a prolonging of life but a gift that allowed us to deepen our relationships, reconcile past misunderstandings, and create beautiful memories.
Prayer also transformed my father’s outlook. Even as his physical body weakened, his spirit grew stronger, radiating a calm assurance that only comes from knowing Christ. Though I had to say goodbye too soon to a father who would never walk me down the aisle, God sustained him to witness my university graduation. And my dad’s desire to remain at home until his final day was met.
Prayer was the anchor that kept me grounded. Prayer kept me focussed and able to finish my courses despite long drives home for weekend visits. Prayer revealed that God was present, not only in moments of joy but also in times of sorrow. Prayer focussed my gratitude for the time we had. It was a powerful reminder that prayer does not always change circumstances but it can always change our hearts.
If you are facing a difficult situation, I encourage you to turn to prayer. It may not always bring the outcome you hope for, but it will bring you closer to God. And in His presence, you will find peace, hope, and strength to face whatever comes your way.