Written by Fred Ritsema and Katie Ritsema-Roelofs
Creator, Redeemer, Mighty God,
Some days are more difficult than others. On good days, we remember with laughter about cherished memories, blessed moments, and moments of adversity we walked through together. I praise you for these days – for reminders of being a child, and having a parent who ably cared for my needs, spoke with wisdom and love, and was the first person I turned to for guidance or with good news.
Today, O God, I humbly ask for your help in the work you’ve called me to do caring for my aging parent.
- Give me space to grieve all that has already been lost in life, even though there has been no death.
- Give me patience and peace in the face of his(her) repetition, frustration, and anger.
- Give me the will to keep showing up even when it is difficult and emotionally draining.
Give me Your empathy and love. I know it breaks your heart to see our bodies deteriorate and minds rapidly decline. May I bring your peace and your hope – reminders of the value of his life both to You, his Creator, and me, his child.
Use me, God, to help him prepare for his eternal home. Give me the words to say, the reassurance to offer, and the unwavering faith in the hope of the resurrection.
Strengthen me as I assure him that You will welcome him into eternal life not because of what he has done but what you have done for him in Christ Jesus.
Amen
Ideas for Use
- Use this prayer on either Mother’s or Father’s Day to give words to members who are caring for parents.
- Print a copy of this prayer and give it to a member of your church who might need these words