A deathbed prayer (1) - All The Good Seed Daily Devotionals for 2026

I cried out to you, o LORD; and to the LORD I made supplication.Hear, o LORD, and have mercy on me; LORD, be my helper!
Psalm 30:8.10

A deathbed prayer (1)
When I was fourteen years old, I heard someone say, "I have just come from the deathbed of an elderly lady. I spoke to her about the salvation of her soul and that she would soon die. She received the grace that God offers in the gospel. Now she is in heaven."

At the time I understood it as if a person can live his life as he wishes; but if he prays to God for grace on his deathbed, he will get to heaven. That is just what I wanted, and I lived accordingly. If anyone spoke to me about God, death or hell, I answered: "Not now! I'll ask God for grace on my death bed." When questions arose in my mind, I thought: "On my deathbed ."

Years went by. I lived nonchalantly apart from God. Then came military service. One night I was on guard outside drenched by rain and freezing. I was taken to hospital unconscious where I came to. A friend was standing by my bed. Half seriously, but half joking, I asked him, "What's wrong? Be honest, am I going to die?" First he said nothing, then. "Do all that's necessary in the next hour. You haven't much time!" I hadn't reckoned with that! I said, "Leave me alone. Come back in an hour." He went, and I was alone on my deathbed. Now I intended .

Was that perfect timing? Live as you wish, then accept God's grace on your deathbed and get to heaven. Is that possible? Can I decide the time to turn to God? Am I the master of my lifetime?

(to be concluded tomorrow)

Today's reading: Exodus 40:17-38 · Luke 19:11-27