For a time when I was a member of Bethany Lutheran Church, I was involved in their visitation program. I regularly visited a member of the church living with hydrocephalus in a nursing home. I was always struck by how hungry she seemed to be for intimate physical contact. Whenever I visited, she would grab me by the hand and hold it to her head while she offered prayers on behalf of many who are traditionally overlooked in more conventional prayers.
Pray for me in all the churches;
Pray for the tears of sorrow
I cry alone at night.
Pray for all poor and helpless animals,
And pray for all famous people,
The football stars and the rock musicians.
Caress my head with your hand, Saint John
My head, heavy with loneliness,
And pray for all the churches.