Do you know a caregiver who needs your help?
….four men arrived carrying a paralyzed man on a mat. They couldn’t bring him to Jesus because of the crowd, so they dug a hole through the roof above his head. Then they lowered the man on the mat, right down in front of Jesus. Mark 2:4.
Gentle Jesus,
Bring to mind the people we know
who are acting as caregivers to the sick or disabled in this season.
They often find themselves
paralyzed with guilt or grief,
with confusion and exhaustion.
Show us how we can be like the four friends to them,
laying them on the mat
and breaking through barriers
to bring them before you.
May we serve them in practical ways,
cooking meals and doing yard work,
helping them navigate the insurance maze,
staying with their loved one
so they can make doctor’s appointments
or go for a walk.
May we serve them
by listening to them,
by encouraging them to lament,
and by praying for and with them
when they can’t find the words to pray.
Help us, Lord, to have the faith and kindness
of the paralytic’s mat-friends
to bring our caregiving friends before you
to ask you to heal and help them.
In your caring name. Amen.
Read Mark 2:1-5.
