6. Have a relevant Bible passage bookmarked before you leave the car.
Don’t fumble through your Bible at their bedside hoping to happen upon just the right passage.
7. Bring a nondigital Bible to read out of.
I was caught unprepared making a visit once, and all I had to read Scripture out of was an iPod Touch. I know that the words are just as powerful no matter what they are read out of, but it just felt weird.
It may just be my opinion, but I think it is more comforting to read out of a physical Bible rather than off your phone.
8. Be open to engaging people in the halls or elevator.
Last time I was at the hospital, someone noticed my Bible and struck up a conversation. We talked together on the way out, and I invited him to church. The next Sunday, as I was welcoming people before the service, he came into the church. I was able to greet him by name and invite him to sit with me in the service.
You never know, God may want you to minister to more people than you expected.
9. Bring business cards or a note card with you.
Sometimes when you arrive, the person is sleeping, out of the room being treated at another part of the hospital or indisposed for some other reason. Let them know you came and prayed for them by leaving a note.
10. Exude confidence in God’s promises.
This one is the most important, obviously. You may be visiting with someone who has no hope of recovery, but God’s promises are still true for them. The bleakness of their circumstance may make it hard to see how God is for them at the moment. Remind them. Speak God’s promises gently, but confidently. Look into their eyes with your own confident, compassionate eyes.
When we dread hospital visits, ultimately we are concerned about ourselves, not the people we are visiting. We are worried about our own comfort and convenience, not about their condition physically or spiritually. None of these tips will make up for your uncaring, unmerciful, unsympathetic heart (if you have one).
So, remember that you were sick. The Physician came to you and saved you. Rejoice at the mercy God has shown you in Christ, and that he has given you the Comforter, his Spirit. And in light of that, visit your sheep and tell them that the same is true for them. Show them tender, heartfelt compassion, and speak to them about God’s care for them.
Just pop a mint first.
