The Caregiver's Prayer by Kelly Combs

The following Caregiver‘s Prayer appeared in a local church’s newsletter recently.  Lynn’s aunt shared it with me, and I contacted Kelly, the author, to see if I could share it with you.  She graciously agreed. I have included her bio below as well as the introduction to the prayer and the prayer, itself. I hope it blesses you as it did me.

Kelly Combs wrote this poem for her father, who has been a dedicated caregiver to many and is currently caring for his wife who has Alzheimer’s. Kelly writes a devotional blog at www.chattykelly.com.

The Caregiver’s Prayer

By: Kelly Combs

Being a caregiver is hard. Whether it is your aging parents, a sick spouse, or another chronically ill person, the weight can be overwhelming, even as it is done in love.  We can’t do it alone, but when we partner with God, His strength can sustain us. I hope this prayer blesses those of you at Fairmount who may be caregiving or know someone who is a caregiver. Please feel free to share it.

Dear God,

I’m feeling overwhelmed. I don’t know what to do.

I’m tired Lord, the work is hard, and so I come to You.

My role here isn’t easy, but it’s one I wouldn’t trade.

I know I’m following Your will, but my strength’s begun to fade.

You said Your yoke is easy, and that Your burden’s light.

I need to rest my soul in You and lean on You tonight.

I pray for peaceful, restful sleep; to wake fully restored.

I hope that’s not too much to ask of You, my precious Lord.

I pray that You renew my strength because in You, I hope.

Then I will soar, and not be faint, and You will help me cope.

You modeled loving-kindness, teaching us to be like You.

That gives me the strength to care. I know it’s what You’d do.

So. I will keep caregiving, on the bad days, and the good.

I’ll love the way You love me, treating others as I should.

Please bless the one for whom I care and hold us in Your hands.

Together, with You, we will make a strong cord of 3 strands.

And when I get to heaven and stand before Your Son,

He’ll call me faithful servant and say to me, “Well done.”

– Amen