'Lord, when did we see you sick?' by Fr Michael Stack, a retired Hospital Chaplain.

Another book on prayer? Yes, but with a difference. The theme is sick people and praying with and for them.

Jesus showed a special concern and approach for the sick during his ministry. He identified personally with his suffering sisters and brothers, hence: ‘I was sick, and you visited me. In so far as you did this to one of the least of these brothers of mine, you did it to me.’ [Matthew 25:40].

As disciples of Jesus we are called to visit the sick and dying and pray with them and for them. When we embrace illness we can feel alone, even isolated.

In prayer and by praying for those who are sick we are brought into communion with Jesus Christ.

In medicine there is what is called ‘The Holistic Approach’. What is this? It is admission that just as we all have physical needs, we all have spiritual needs too.

When a patient is admitted in to a hospital he or she is called an ‘episode’. In this book there are twelve ‘episodes’. All the names of those involved have been changed to protect confidentiality.

At the end of each episode there is a prayer.

In the Foreword, by Cardinal Vincent Nichols, he writes: “Lord When did we See You sick? sensitively describes the stories of 12 people, to whom the author Fr Michael Stack ministered in over 20 years' service as a chaplain in various hospitals.

"Each account offers a moving testimony to the healing power of our prayerful companionship with the sick and dying, especially when there is no medical cure for them.”

Fr Michael is now living in semi-retirement within Christ the King Parish, Coventry, where he continues to offer support to the parish and deanery.

To order a copy please contact Fr Michael Stack - [email protected] - or copies are available at Christ the King.