Shad,
I've been following the posts about your son, and as a father myself, no words can come even remotely close to describing the love that we have for our children. I know that there's absolutely nothing I can say to you that will bring any amount of comfort or hope to you or your family, but I found a prayer that I thought was fitting. As I read it, I realized just how fitting it is. I read it twice. The first time it was for me, and the second time, I read it on behalf of your family. I believe in the power of prayer, and I felt the need to share it with everyone in the forum.
Heavenly Father, worthy of being worshiped. Most loving Father, worthy of being loved. We humbly ask you to help us to accept everything that happens in our lives.
We know that suffering and problems cause pain, that ignorance confuses us, and that uncertainty makes us anxious; this is a proof of our limitation, and how fragile, susceptible and vulnerable we are. But, what does it matter what happens? You love us and, regardless of what happens, you bring us along well.
Don't let, Lord, that suffering overwhelm us, that worry overcome us, because our trust must be real and effective. We are confident that you tell us: Fear not, for I am with you; be not dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you. Yes, I will help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand... For I, the Lord your God, will hold your right hand (Isaiah 41.10, 13).
John said also: There is no fear in love, but perfect love casts out fear (1 John 4.18). And we read in Psalms: God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble. Therefore we will not fear, though the earth be removed (Psalm 46.1,2).
These were experiences that some people, confident in you, had in the past; and we may have the same experiences as well.
You act upon us not only in a natural way, but also in a mysterious mode, by your providence.
When the so called theologian-scientists try to look for an explanation of your providential action upon us and in the universe, they are on fishing expeditions and making conjectures.
The only acceptable explanation of your providential action and of your care for us is your love, your wisdom, your power and your kindness. And how might that be? It doesn't matter that we do not have the exact answer. What counts is that you are, Lord.
Oh loving Father. Filled with trust in your love and providence, we confide thoroughly in you. "Give us your hand" in every moment, in order that in any circumstance we can lift up our mind to you and tell you: amen, thank you, Lord. Help us to be objective, and as hard as it may be, that we are not led by our emotions.
That we may say as David: I will trust in the shelter of your wings (Psalm 61.4).
Amen