We know that we need God’s help to be the best Giver of Care that our loved ones deserve. Listed below are some prayers that you may consider using when you can’t find the words you are looking for. Of course, The Lord’s Prayer is one many of us revert to either out of habit or choice. The team at Genus™ decided to put together some prayers to help you through the difficult and often overwhelming task of being a Giver of Care. We know that with a little help, this task can become rewarding and fulfilling. Perhaps one day you will look back on and thank God for having this special opportunity to bless another one of God’s children by being the hands of feet of Jesus.
Short prayers, often called “breath prayers” as they can be said in one breath. These are helpful when you are in the midst of a task, or in a particularly stressful moment that you need to call upon God for help. Sometimes, just saying the name of “Jesus” or “Help me Lord” or “Show me the way, God” can get you through a tough moment. It helps to take a deep breath as you say them. In this link from Guideposts, there is a short slide show (for those of us who are visually motivated) with meaningful illustrations for some short “breath prayers.
Other prayers to consider
God, help me to be flexible and have the ability to go with the flow as I care for ________. I pray that I will not get angry when and if things don’t go as planned. Help me to uncover the humor in these situations and not take life so seriously. But most of all, Lord, I want my Receiver of Care to know he/she is loved. Thank you for your unconditional love and strength.
Lord, thank you for allowing me the honor of being your hands and feet today. Help me to shower your grace and love upon my Receiver of Care today, and every day. Help me to show him/her your joy and peace. I don’t always feel peaceful or joyful when being a Giver of Care. I need you to help me do this please. I thank you and praise you God.
Thank you for the precious gift of laughter, Lord. Please lift the heavy burdens I feel today and let me lift the spirits of my Receiver of Care. I thank you and praise you, Father, for the unique gifts you have blessed me with and those you have yet to reveal. Continue to use me boldly for your honor and glory.
Change my heart, O God, and give me compassion to love others even when they are difficult to love and not able or willing to show appreciation. Please rid me of the negative feelings I have, and help me know in my heart that this IS your purpose for my life right now. I want to honor you and my Receiver of Care Lord. Help me to do that with grace and dignity.
From the Catholic Health Association:
Come to me, all you who labor and are burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am meek and humble of heart; and you will find rest for your selves. For my yoke is easy, and my burden light.
MATTHEW 11:28-30
HEALER OF SOULS AND COMFORTER OF THE WEARY, HELP TO LIGHTEN THE BURDEN OF FAMILIES WHO ARE CARING FOR THEIR SICK LOVED ONES.
Accompany them on their journey and ease their anxiety and fears. Surround them with the love and strength of others, so they may experience the healing presence of the communion of saints. We ask this through the intercession of Our Lady of Lourdes and in the name of your Son, Jesus and the Holy Spirit, now and forever. AMEN.
If you don’t find what you are looking for here, Amazon has some nice devotional books for Caregivers. It’s a good idea to start your day out with some sort of devotional to put you into a “God frame of mind”. I personally read “Jesus Calling” each morning and can usually apply it to my caregiving situation. I use both the hardcover version and the app version on my phone. There are many prayer apps available as well. Let Google be your friend. God bless you on this journey! We are praying for you in this caregiving journey!