Today I did the prayer at the Cancer Relay, it was a very emotional thing to do, as only this past year I had to have surgery for Cancer myself, it was minor surgery but Cancer just the same.  And the thought of that brought back a lot of mixed feelings about it all, I don’t think I had really dealt with the fact that I had Cancer, maybe because as one who is suppose to be there for others, to help others through Cancer and sickness, I thought I could just put this out of my mind and go on with life as if it had never happened. But I don’t think we can do that, we have to deal with the things that burden us, and I think this was God’s way of letting me know it was time to do that.  Today I walked the victory lap with the other survivors, and I thank God now that he has opened up this door for me to walk through, to feel that I too can hold my head up and say “you know what, yes I had Cancer, it has left its scar, but that is all, I am a survivor and I claim life, and so I walk in victory.”  Thanks be to God, Alleluia!!

The Opening Prayer I did at the Cancer Relay for Life:

Lord God, we thank you for this day, and for all the days to come. We ask your blessing on all who are gathered, as we celebrate the victories over cancer and join together in the fight to overcome.  We ask your blessing for all who are not able to be here today but are with us in spirit, either living or departed. We remember those who have died and all who mourn the loss of loved ones. Comfort, encourage, and strengthened them.

We pray for all who are struggling with Cancer right now, for those who are in remission, those in treatment, and for those who walk with them everyday, the families, caregivers, health professionals and all who minister to them in the fight against Cancer.  Pour out your abundant blessing of peace, hope, comfort and healing upon them.

We give thanks for all who continue the fight against Cancer, and may the relay we walk here today be a sign of the hope that prevails against this disease in the fight to defeat it for all time.  Inspire us Lord to walk this relay with our heads held high in victory, with perseverance, hope and joy, knowing that you walk before and with us always.  In your name, Lord Jesus, we pray.  Amen.