Father of all comfort we come to You with gracious hearts and thanksgiving for those who serve others from a pure heart. Those who day in and day out provide care for loved ones and others who are in need of direct care, love, mercy, and compassion. Only You really know the burden they bear. Serving so unselfishly, generously sacrificing their time and often having to put their lives on pause to care for others.
Often emotionally drained and sapped of strength they persevere and labor with the strength You provide. You promise that when their soul is weary You will strengthen them according to Your holy Word. (Psalm 119:28) Yes, You strengthen and increase the power of the weak. (Isaiah 40:29) You who promised is faithful to do it.
Holy Spirit breathe on those who administer care and help them to continually depend on You. Help them to hold fast their confession of hope without wavering. (Hebrews 10:23) Pour out Your abundant grace and Your all-consuming power that is perfected in their weakness. (2 Corinthians 12:9) Enable them to be strong in YOUR mighty power. (Ephesians 6:10)
Father work Your peace, long suffering, love, and mercy into their hearts. At times it gets so overwhelming. So many tasks. So many appointments. So many things to remember. So many decisions. Entrusted to them are precious souls in need of a touch from You Lord and they are the vessels You have chosen to work through to express Your compassionate heart.
May they make it a priority to take very good care of of themselves. To press into You, into Your word, and into Your presence. To seek Your face, behold Your glory, and to find refreshments in You. May they draw from Your empowering presence and tap into Your heart. Your love is the foundation, motivation, the source from which their springs flow to bring comfort, healing and hope.
You invite them, "Come to Me all of you who are weary and carry heavy burdens, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you. Let me teach you because I am gentle and lowly at heart and you will find rest for your souls." (Matthew 11:28-29) Give them a quiet rest and solace inwardly that exudes outwardly to those in their care.
When the floodgates have risen, their hearts faint, joy exhausted, and strength is depleted, gently lead them to the Rock who is stronger than they are. May they take refuge under the shelter of Your wings. You sustain them by Your matchless power so that their hope will not be crushed. You are their source of hope and hope in You will not be disappointed.(Isaiah 49:23)
For God You are not unjust. You will not forget how hard they have worked for You and how they've shown their love to You by caring for those in need. (Hebrews 6:10) Grant them grace to be kindly affectionate, fervent in spirit, serving You, rejoicing in confident hope, patient in trouble, continuing steadfastly in prayer, and distributing to the needs of others. (Romans 12:10-13)
As they so faithfully and tirelessly serve those in their care give them fortitude from on high to be a reflection of Your grace, love, compassion and greatness. You implore us in Your word: "The greatest among you must be a servant." (Matthew 23:11) We look to Jesus' example: "For even the Son of Man came not to be served but to serve others and to give His life as a ransom for many." (Mark 10:45)
Sovereign Lord may Your grace abound as they present their bodies as a living sacrifice in service and worship to You. Give them wisdom and discernment concerning those who receive their care.
May they gain strength and reassurance from the words of King Jesus, "For I was hungry and you fed Me. I was thirsty and you game me a drink. I was a stranger and you invited Me into your home. I was naked and you gave Me clothing. I was sick and you cared for Me. Then the righteous ones will reply, 'Lord, when did we ever see You hungry and feed You? Or thirsty and give you something to drink? Or a stranger and show you hospitality? Or naked and give You clothing? And the King will say, 'I tell you the truth, when you did it to one of the least of these my brothers and sisters, you were doing it to Me!" (Matthew 25:35-40) Blessed are the merciful for they will obtain mercy. (Matthew 5:7)
Gracious Heavenly Father may Your favor rest mightily upon the caregivers and establish the work of their hands. (Psalm 90:17) Bless them to be strong, and courageous for their work will be rewarded. (1 Chronicles 15:7) You have given them a spiritual gift empowered by Your love. The gift of helping others. May they administer it with the strength and energy that You supply. Then everything they do will bring glory to You through Jesus Christ. All glory and power to Him forever and ever! Amen. (1 Peter 4:10-11)
God Most High, You are all powerful and ARE a very present help in their time of need. (Psalm 46:1) The same resurrection power that raised Jesus from the dead lives in Your people. (Romans 8:11a) May the outworking of that power be released and manifested in the lives of caregivers and those they so graciously provide care for.
Holy Spirit lead them in the way they think, speak, interact, care and respond to those who receive their assistance. Not by might, nor by power but by Your Spirit. Help them not to grow weary in well doing for they will reap if they faint not. (Galatians 6:9)
God bless and keep the caregivers in mind, body, and spirit. As they generously give may it be given back to them. A good measure, pressed down, shaken together and running over will it be poured into their bosom. (Luke 6:38) In the blessed name of Jesus we pray. Amen.
Power point:
The caregiver is often unnoticed and can feel quite lonely at times. Father we ask that You would touch the hearts of others who may be willing to give them a helping hand. Whether running an errand, cooking a meal, or making themselves available to give them a much needed break. Even a small break goes a long way and gives them a time to catch their breath, reprieve, rest, or to treat themselves to something they've been wanting to do but for lack of time and/or energy has not been able to.
Equally important is for them to have a listening and attentive ear. Sometimes they just need someone to talk to, unburden their hearts, empty out, and a listening, caring confidant can make all the difference in a hectic and stressful day of a caregiver. Caregivers MUST have care given to them too.
Though hidden their impact is tremendous. Their acts of love and sacrifice are super significant to those whom they care for and their loved ones.
We give thanks to God always for you all, making mention of you in our prayers, remembering without ceasing your work of faith, labor of love, and patience of hope in our Lord Jesus Christ. (1 Thessalonians 1:2)
If you feel led please share to encourage a caregiver!
I'm praying for you!
Love, prayers, and aiming for His glory!
Shannon
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