It is not just pastors that should make hospital visits. Nearly all Christians should make hospital visits when appropriate.
But the what to do when you get there? Eric McKiddie has a very helpful 3 point summary.
Eric’s list includes prayer and reading Scripture. You might be inclined to say, “Well, I am not a pastor so it will be a bit of a surprise if I read Scripture and pray. That is all the more reason, then, you should read Scripture and pray. Doing the unexpected offers a special opportunity to encourage.
- As for what to read, the list could include Psalm 23, 32, 46; Romans 8:28 ff, John 14:1-6, Revelation 22, 2 Corinthians 4:16-18, James 1:2-4, 5:7-20, or many other passages.
- Use wisdom about how long the visit should last. Some hospital visits should be over in 15 minutes.
- Pray and read Scripture early on in the visit. At the hospital, you never know when the nurses or doctors will show up for an extended time. I often say, “I want to make sure we read the Word and pray before we get interrupted. Those are the most important things. The we can visit for a bit.”
You can read Eric McKiddie’s post here.
Pastor Chris, thanks for posting this helpful information; it is appreciated.