Mother’s Ritual

When someone you love is sick, it can be difficult to know what to do.

You may wish you could take their pain away. You may be sitting beside them in hospital, caring for them at home, waiting for news, or living far away and wishing you could be there.

Sometimes you try to stay strong for everyone else while quietly carrying your own fear.

If that is where you are today, take a moment.

You don’t need to know what is going to happen next. You don’t need to find perfect words.

You can simply bring the person you love to God.

Take a Quiet Moment

Think about the person you are praying for.

You can say their name quietly if you want to.

Take a slow breath.

For the next few moments, allow yourself to put down some of the worry you have been carrying.

When you are ready, pray with me.

Let Us Pray

Dear God,

Today I come to You for someone I love.

You know who they are.

You know what they are going through.

And You know how much I wish I could make everything better for them.

God, I am worried.

Sometimes I try not to show it.

I try to be strong.

I try to say the right things.

But inside, I am frightened too.

Please be close to the person I love.

When they are in pain, comfort them.

When they are frightened, give them peace.

When they are tired, let them rest.

When they feel alone, remind them that they are loved.

God, I pray for everyone caring for them.

Give their doctors and nurses wisdom.

Help them understand what is happening and make careful decisions about their care.

Give them patience and compassion, especially on the difficult days.

And God, please give me strength too.

Sometimes loving someone who is sick can make you feel helpless.

There are things I cannot fix.

There are answers I do not have.

There are moments when I don’t know what to say.

Help me understand that simply being there can be enough.

Help me listen when they need to talk.

Help me sit quietly when there are no words.

Help me give comfort without pretending that I know what tomorrow will bring.

And when I am alone with my own thoughts, please comfort me too.

I place this person I love into Your hands.

I place my fear into Your hands.

I place all the questions I cannot answer into Your hands.

God, I hope for healing.

I hope for good news.

I hope for more days, more conversations, more laughter and more ordinary moments together.

But while we wait and while they receive the care they need, please walk beside us.

Give us enough strength for today.

Then tomorrow, help us find the strength for another day.

Thank You for hearing this prayer.

Thank You for the person I love.

Please stay close to them tonight.

And please stay close to me too.

So it is.

When You Are Supporting Someone Who Is Sick

You don’t have to have all the answers to support someone you love.

Sometimes a phone call, sitting beside them, helping with a meal, listening to them, or simply saying “I’m here” can mean a great deal.

And remember that you need care too. If you are becoming exhausted or overwhelmed while caring for someone, it is okay to ask family, friends or appropriate services for help.

Prayer can be part of how you cope, alongside the medical care and practical support the person needs.

You Can Return to This Prayer

Illness can bring good days and difficult days.

You can come back to this prayer whenever you need it. You can also change the words and speak directly to God about the person you love.

There is no perfect way to pray.

Sometimes all you may be able to say is:

“God, please stay with them.”

And that can be your prayer.