Peace Be with You, Rest in Peace: Using Scripture to Address Spiritual Distress near the End of Life

Hospital and hospice chaplains are expected to assist individuals and families face the reality of their mortality via a gentle, calming presence. To the greatest extent possible, chaplains help people die with an awareness of being loved, of loving and forgiving, and of gratitude for the life they have lived.

But terminal agitation and spiritual distress are common components of the final stage of life. How do professional chaplains honor and attend to each individual's spiritual/religious...