liturgy for the drug round

Gemma Griffiths shares prayers for our daily duties on the drug round

Heavenly Father, would you still my heart as I pause ahead of this important task.

Take a deep breath in (as you do this ask the Holy Spirit to fill you with his peace)

Slowly breathe out (ask God to help you release any stress that has built up in you on the shift so far)

(Repeat this several times)

Lord, as I put on my tabard and prepare my trolley, I pray that you will be with me and prepare the way before me. Grant me focus and clarity of thought so that I can administer these medicines in a timely and safe manner.

As I gather the drug charts of my patients, would you reveal to me the good things that you have prescribed for me: your grace, your love, your peace, your mercy, and your kindness, to name a few. Help me accept these doses regularly and not just see them as ‘once only’.

As I perform the ‘5 R’s’ of medicines management, the guiding light in patient safety, thank you for your word, the Bible, the guiding light of our faith, that is filled with ways to live that will keep us safe.
Jesus, healer, I pray that as I administer this pain medication, you will alleviate the pain of this patient and all those in pain, both physically and mentally. Thank you that you know their pain and suffering intimately as one who bore immense pain and suffering on the cross.

Lord, as I administer these antibiotics, I thank you for the gift of these life-saving drugs that treat infections that would have previously killed many people. Forgive us when we take these miracles for granted. Help those in positions of authority in this country to share these drugs with impoverished countries where infections still kill many.

Father, as I administer this antihypertensive medicine, would you reduce any pressure that I may be feeling? Help me to seek you as my source of refuge and strength in all I do.

As I finish my drug round, help me to realise that this task is more than just giving medication – that when I give someone their tablets, commence their IVs, or apply their compression stockings, I am partaking in the healing ministry that you have called me into. Thank you for that privilege. Amen.

Gemma Griffiths is a Growth Assessment Protocol (GAP) Midwife in Northampton, and CMF’s Nurses and Midwives Staffworker