Healer of our Every Ill

I am linking up for the Five Minute Friday. The FMF is hosted by Kate Motaung on her blog Heading Home. Today’s prompt is “heal.”. We would love to have you join us. Just hop onto Twitter on Thursday evenings and follow the #fmfparty. Hope to see you there! 


“Healer of our every ill, light of each tomorrow, give us peace beyond our fears, and hope beyond our sorrow.”

Tears streamed down my face yesterday as I sat with friends and colleagues at a prayer service in regards to Standing Rock and Dakota Access Pipeline. I understand why our Native American brothers and sisters are protecting our water and their sacred land. They have every right too. Yet I also can’t help but think of our highway patrol and police officers especially since a friend is one of those very men called to protect. 

“Healer of our every ill, light of each tomorrow, give us peace beyond our fears, and hope beyond our sorrow.”

My heart is weary as I’ve watched this all unfold. As a camp counselor, I got to participate in a day camp on this very reservation, I learned so much about the Native American culture that week. But even more, I felt an even deeper connection as we learned each other’s stories and got to know one another. One of my favorite memories was sitting and singing songs together. 

“Healer of our every ill, light of each tomorrow, give us peace beyond our fears, and hope beyond our sorrow.”

As a baptized child of God, claimed in the waters of Baptism, I believe we are called to “love each other as we love ourselves.” Each day, we use water–to drink, for our showers, etc…a daily reminder that we are cleansed in those very waters of Baptism. 

*”Healer of our every ill, light of each tomorrow, give us peace beyond our fears, and hope beyond our sorrow.”

A ruling is expected to come sometime today from the judge. And so I find myself, clinging to these words from the hymn Healer of Our Every Ill. 

“Healer of our every ill, light of each tomorrow, give us peace beyond our fears, and hope beyond our sorrow.”

24 thoughts on “Healer of our Every Ill

  1. Thank you for introducing me to the hymn, "Healer of our every ill." I also learned of the Standing Rock and Dakota Access Pipeline issue for the first time, and, after reading about it online, have a better appreciation of the heart weariness you spoke of and you clinging to the truth of the lyrics you quoted. "Healer of our every ill, light of each tomorrow, give us peace beyond our fears, and hope beyond our sorrow." God's grace and comfort to you. Amen.

  2. I am praying with you and for you and for this whole huge thing! It's sad how much it is NOT being covered in the news nationwide. I know we work with the Yakama Indians here and there has been some reconciliation work being done… it's long, long, LONG overdue but I think the most beautiful thing I have seen regarding Standing Rock so far is the unity among the tribes. Praying for justice for them and for the land!

  3. This post reminds me that there is great joy and beauty in the way God makes us all so different. There has to be a peaceful solution to this situation, one that benefits all sides. I don't know what that is, but I will certainly pray. Thank you, friend.

  4. I have been really clinging to the truths described in hymns, lately. Thank you for sharing this hymn with us. I pray that an equitable, peaceful resolution to the situation you have described, will be reached soon.

  5. "Healer of our every ill, light of each tomorrow, give us peace beyond our fears, and hope beyond our sorrow." A continued prayer to the One who is the Healer, Peace and Hope. Thanks for sharing these words, Tara.

Leave a Reply

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.