Aging_and_Confined

SCRIPTURES

The Lord is my light and my salvation; whom shall I fear? The Lord is the stronghold of my life;
of whom shall I be afraid? Psalm 27:1

Whoever goes to the Lord for safety, whoever remains under the protection of the Almighty,
can say to Him: You are my defender and protector. Psalm 91:1-2

I lift up my eyes to the hills. From hence does my help come? My help comes from the Lord,
who made heaven and earth. Psalm 121:1-2

They who wait for Lord shall renew their strength; they shall mount upon with wings like
eagles; they shall run and not be weary; they shall walk and not faint. Isaiah 40:31

Your Father in heaven knows that you need all these things. Instead, be concerned above
everything else with what He requires of you, and He will provide you with all these other
things. So do not worry about tomorrow; it will have enough worries of its own. There is no
need to add to the troubles each day brings. Matthew 6:32-34

I will not leave you desolate; I will come to you. Yet a little while, the world will see me no more,
but you will see me; because I live, you will live also. John 14:18-19

Cast all your anxieties on Him, for He cares about you. I Peter 5:7

PRAYERS

God of comfort, our companion throughout life: be with _____ when he feels left out and
separated from familiar friends and activities. Fill the long times of solitude with lively thoughts
of You. May he be encouraged and cheered by visits from friends. This we ask in the Spirit of
Jesus Christ who walked among us as a friend, and as our Lord forever. Amen.

Your love for us never ends, eternal God, even when by age and weakness we can no longer
work. During these years, keep _____ awake to your will for her. Give her energy to enjoy the
world, to care for neighbors neglected by others who are too busy, and to contribute wisely to
the life of the church. Remind her that her prayers for others are a useful work You want, so
that we may live always serving Jesus Christ our hope and our true joy. Amen.

Eternal God, the passing of years has brought many losses to _____ --his independence and
responsibilities, the full use of his eyes and ears, his friends and family through their deaths.
The pains of life are real, and we shed our tears. But You are always present to deliver us
from our fears. Help _____ to trust that his identity as your child can never be lost. Amen.

O God, Father of us all, _____ is making the adjustment of becoming more dependent upon
her children, who once were so dependent upon her. We thank you, God, for what her
children have meant and do mean to her. Sometimes they seem absent because they have
their own responsibilities and needs. Give to _____ that fullness of love which will overcome
the emptiness and loneliness that sometimes overwhelms her. Amen.

God, this move into the nursing home means many changes for _____. He has lost some
familiar surroundings and some independence and privacy. Let him know your presence
here. May he be grateful for the care provided. God, help him take control and make this his
home, where he can make others feel welcome. May he show your love to his new neighbors.
Amen.

_____ may not be able to meet each day in good health, God; but she does greet each day
in joy. She knows You have cancelled out past failures, that You love her even in her
weaknesses. We praise You for your goodness toward her these many years. Continue to
help her live each day to the fullest, entrusting herself totally to your mercy. Amen.