Prayer for November 20, 2020 - Prayer for the Caregivers

 God of the Caregivers,

Today we remember and lift up those among us who care for others.  Just as Jochebed cared for baby Moses, Ruth cared for her mother-in-law Naomi, Mary cared for the infant Jesus, and John cared for Mary, we thank you that we have many models of how to care for each other.  Yet, in this time and place, we pray specifically for those who care for others in medical facilities, elderly care facilities, orphanages, foster and struggling kids' homes, developmentally-challenged adult care, homeless shelters, prisons, and other facilities in which the weak, infirm, or destitute are cared for.  We pray for strengthening of the hearts, resolve, and courage of those who work with vulnerable populations.  We pray they would be blessings to those who are alone and isolated. We pray for protection of their immune systems, their families, their livelihoods, and especially that you would encourage them and strengthen them in this time.  Help them have soft hearts with wisdom, courage, and confidence to care for their charges.  Be their refuge and fortress, their God in whom they trust. Save them from the snare of discouragement and exhaustion and from deadly pestilence.  Cover them with your protective wings, and give them refuge and peace.  We pray in Jesus's name, Amen. 

"You, Lord, hear the desire of the afflicted;
    you encourage them, and you listen to their cry,
defending the fatherless and the oppressed,
    so that mere earthly mortals
    will never again strike terror."  (Psalm 10:17-18)

"Therefore encourage one another and build each other up, just as in fact you are doing.  Now we ask you, brothers and sisters, to acknowledge those who work hard among you, who care for you in the Lord and who admonish you."  (1 Thes. 5:11-12)

"Whoever dwells in the shelter of the Most High
    will rest in the shadow of the Almighty.

I will say of the Lord, “He is my refuge and my fortress,
    my God, in whom I trust.”
Surely he will save you
    from the fowler’s snare
    and from the deadly pestilence.
He will cover you with his feathers,
    and under his wings you will find refuge;
    his faithfulness will be your shield and rampart." (Psalm 91:1-4)