Chronic Illness - Prayers for Every Occasion

CARING FATHER, I come to you boldly, asking you to encourage my friends who have chronic illnesses. Each has had more doctor appointments, lab tests, and hospital procedures than they or their families ever expected.

When I stop to ponder the burdens they carry, I am certain they sometimes feel overwhelmed—not just physically, but mentally, emotionally, and spiritually. Give me wisdom to know how to be a good friend.

Please hold my friends close, especially on days when they are discouraged and struggling to keep going. Please shield them from fear and give them a sense of purpose. For the medical staff supervising their care, please provide wisdom, attentiveness, and insight in liberal amounts. And please help those of us who are friends, cheerleaders, and caregivers to be warmhearted, sensitive, and loving.

Even though the chronic illnesses my friends live with affect their lives in significant ways, please prevent them—and those of us who love them—from allowing their illnesses to undermine their worth or define their personhood. We have so much to learn from their lives and their journeys.

Please, Father, lavish your love and compassion on my friends.