A prayer for caregivers? Parents to a child with special needs need them. So do parents of new babies, spouses caring for wives or husbands with disabilities, and adult children caring for aging parents. But unless friends, neighbors, and extended family are intimately acquainted with caregivers’ individual journeys, it’s hard to know how to pray for them.

How to Offer a Prayer for Caregivers?

A few months ago, Colleen Swindoll-Thompson, who leads Insight for Living’s Special Needs Ministry, answered that question in a poem she sent to Different Dream.  The poem speaks to the very heart of caregiving’s challenges and joys. It’s also an example or template to be used when praying for caregivers who need strength, perseverance, and encouragement for their work. Here’s the poem. Consider it an early Valentine just for caregivers. Enjoy!

A Prayer for the Caregiver
by Bruce McIntyre

Unknown and often unnoticed, you are a hero nonetheless.
For your love, sacrificial, is God at his best.
You walk by faith in the darkness of the great unknown,
And your courage, even in weakness, gives life to your beloved.

You hold shaking hands and provide the ultimate care:
Your presence, the knowing, that you are simply there.
You rise to face the giant of disease and despair,
It is your finest hour, though you may be unaware.

You are resilient, amazing, and beauty unexcelled,
You are the caregiver and you have done well!

Do You Have a Prayer for Caregivers?

Do you pray for caregivers you know? How do you structure your prayers? Do you support them in practical ways, too? How do you find out about their practical needs and meet them? How do you find out how to pray for them more specifically? Leave your ideas in the comment box. Thanks!

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