Assisted living provides all the comforts of a home environment, but with the added benefit of around-the-clock staff and help with daily tasks. Even so, the decision for a loved one to go into assisted living isn't easy and can take its toll on residents and their families.
It's during these times that older loved ones must trust and rely on others for even their most basic needs, highlighting how dependent we are on God to meet our most basic needs.
Older loved ones feel the difference between the here and now and what's to come much more than younger people do. They need our prayers during this time to bolster their faith and keep up good spirits, even as their bodies become more reliant on others for help.
Lord, you've promised to carry us even in our old age. We pray for a spiritual strengthening for those who find their bodies are failing. We are spirit more than flesh, Lord. Help our loved ones embrace this transition from flesh to spirit gracefully and with dignity. Bring peace and comfort to those whose transition might be painful and who might not have the support needed to perform their daily activities.
Father, you are near the lonely and the brokenhearted. Holy Spirit, we ask that you minister and bring comfort to our loved ones. Please help them foster good relationships and build community where they are. Your word speaks of friendship, that two are better than one and that a friend loves at all times. Where there's an opportunity for friendship, we ask that you be there in the midst of them.
Dear Lord, as our loved ones head into an assisted living community, we ask you to be that rock of accountability in our lives not to abandon our loved ones. Father, we ask for guidance, patience and understanding as our loved ones go through trials in their new homes and that we have the patience to work with them through this new adjustment.
Father, we thank you for the opportunity we have to find a loving new environment for our loved ones. We ask that you bless the hands that care for them and keep them safe from harm. As their bodies grow weak and they rely more on those who care for them, we ask, Lord, that you strengthen their caregivers and give them the patience and guidance to do their jobs well. We pray for protection from illness and disease and that you keep them in good health.
Lord, you provide a light in the darkest night, and for our loved ones, this might be a phase of darkness as they struggle with depression, ill health or loneliness. We pray for knowledge and understanding that our loved ones may accept their new home and know that we haven't abandoned them or stopped loving them. Lord, envelop them in your love and grace as they come to terms with their new environment and build community with those around them for a faster transition.
Father, we thank you for the opportunities presented to our loved ones in their new community. Lord, we ask that you guide them to new activities and possibilities of learning to enjoy this new chapter in their lives. We ask for dexterity in their bodies, strength in their hands and clear minds to embrace these new activities. We ask that they receive every possible blessing from these opportunities, from increased health to new opportunities. Father, we pray that the instructors and coaches have the patience and skills to help our loved ones during their activities.
God, your promise is that your peace is with us, and we ask, Lord, that your Holy Spirit ministers to our loved ones and surrounds them with your peace. We know that at times they may be scared of this chapter, but you are the Alpha and Omega, and our story starts and ends with you. Allow them a peaceful transition into this final chapter that serves as a reminder that we came from you, Lord, and we're going back to you when we're done with our journey here.
Father, we thank you for this opportunity for our loved one can experience the embrace of an extended family. There are many new opportunities for building community, and we ask that you open our loved one's heart to these new relationships and that you bless them. We pray for the members of the community, that you keep them safe and in good health, Lord, and that they continue to be a blessing to our loved ones.
