Through the various trials of a neighbor and of a cyberspace friend, I’ve been reminded of the emotional and physical toll of caring for a loved one with a chronic debilitating illness.
Our Father in heaven, You are Jehovah Shammah, the Lord who is present. Be present in warp and weft of time and space around each of Your caregivers. Fill the mundane details and menial duties with Your mercy and transform their service into an icon of Your love.
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Christ Jesus, You are the Son of God. Your faithful caregivers have been crucified with You in their baptism. They no longer live, but You live in them. The life which they now live in the flesh they live by faith in You. You loved them and delivered Yourself up for them. Strengthen their faith so that they may learn obedience in their suffering.
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Holy Spirit, in Ezekiel’s vision, the stream flowing from the Temple coursed through the Jordan Valley into the Dead Sea, replacing the salt water with fresh water. Holy Spirit, like that stream, flow through the spirits of the caregivers from depth to depth. Replace anxiety with peace, despair with trust, and fatigue with new life. Amen.
Hebrews 5:8-9, Galatians 2:20, Ezekiel 47
Thanks for this welcome blessing today!