A Prayer about Self-Care for Caregivers
And after he had dismissed the crowds, he went up on the mountain by himself to pray. Matthew 14:23
Caregiving Jesus,
Even as we prayed yesterday about denying ourselves
that we might follow you,
we pray today to correct a misinterpretation
of that verse we often see in caregivers.
When you called us to deny ourselves,
you never meant for us to deny or denigrate our humanity —
our mental, emotional, and physical needs
for rest, exercise, good nutrition, and medical care.
Sadly, too many caregivers do exactly this,
believing they are the only one
who can tend to their loved one’s needs,
and neglecting their own health.
You yourself acknowledged your human limitations
by sleeping and eating
and taking time away from your ministry
to pray and rest (Matthew 14:22-23; Mark 4:35-40).
Lord, we pray that you would help our caregiving friends
honor the bodies you have given them
and humble themselves to rely on others
so that they might get the care they need
in this stressful season.
In your caring name we ask.
Amen.
Read Mark 4:35-40; Matthew 14:22-23; 1 Corinthians 6:19; Matthew 11:28-30.