A prayer for elderly parents

It is clear from the Ten Commandments that we are to honour our parents and Jesus repeated this in
Matthew 15:4. To honour our parents means, among other things, to pray for them, appreciate them,
accept their authority, treat them with respect, and provide for them. Let us commit to intercede for our
parents before the throne of grace. God cares about them, and we should not neglect to pray for them.

A prayer you can pray for elderly parents daily

Father, we bring our parents before Your throne of grace and we thank You for their lives. Thank you for
each parent who has taught and led us in practical ways to trust You. We appreciate each praying parent
who wants us to love God, love each other, and experience growth in knowledge and understanding
(Philippians 1:9).

We praise You, Father, for the many ways in which parents influence their children and grandchildren for
good. We pray that our parents, by setting an example, will also proclaim Your power and care to this
generation (Psalm 71:8b).

Father, we ask that you will draw unbelieving elderly parents to Your Son (John 6:44) so that they will not
perish but have eternal life (John 3:16), for You don’t want anyone to perish, but everyone to come to
repentance. Thank you for giving them more time to do so (2 Peter 3:9). Holy Spirit, convict them of their
sin and their need of salvation in Jesus Christ (John 16:8).
Thank you, Lord, for caring for our parents. We know that every good gift and every perfect gift is from
above, and comes down from the Father of lights, with whom there is no variation or shadow of turning.
(James 1:17).

Lord, help us to be generous towards our parents and to not neglect them. But if any widow has children
or grandchildren, let them first learn to show piety at home and to repay their parents; for this is good
and acceptable before God. (1 Timothy 5:4).

Lord, we pray that You will remind our parents of how You have been their hope and help (Psalm 62:5).
Help us as their children, to also remind them of Your tender care. We pray for our parents to lean on
You, their Rock of strength and righteousness.

Father, be the strength of our parents’ hearts and their portion forever, even though their flesh and
heart may fail (Psalm 73:26).

We pray, Father, that by Your grace, our parents would not be discouraged as they age, knowing that
although their bodies are wasting away, their spirits are being renewed day by day (2 Corinthians 4:16).

Father, enable our parents to declare, “The Lord is upright; He is my rock, and there is no
unrighteousness in Him” (Psalm 92:15).

Lord, protect our parents from the evil one and show them the way out of temptation
(1 Corinthians 10:13). We ask for Your wisdom, discretion, and understanding to protect and guide them
every day (Proverbs 4:6).

Father, give our parents trusting and thankful hearts, especially as their days become more difficult and
challenging (1 Thessalonians 5:18). We pray for them to reflect on their blessings despite their
shortcomings, to spend time correcting their mistakes, and to forgive themselves.

Father, help our parents to share their disappointments with You. Our prayer is that You will preserve
them from any bitterness or spirit of discontent (Psalm 25:21).

Father, make our parents courageous and confident in Your presence, help and deliverance (Psalm 121:1-
8). It is better to trust in the LORD than to put confidence in man. (Psalm 118:8).

Father, we ask that our parents would be quick to look to Jesus and remember his steadfast love. I will
remember the works of the LORD; surely I will remember Your wonders of old. (Psalm 77:11).

Father, may our parents continually praise You and proclaim Your mighty works (Psalm 71:14-15). Fill
their mouths with Your praise, and a desire to worship and bring You glory from a testimony strong and
true (Psalm 71:8). Because You have been my help, therefore in the shadow of Your wings I will
rejoice. (Psalm 63:7).

In Jesus’ Name, Amen.

Honoring parents means more than sending cards on special days. And it’s more than an occasional
invitation to dinner.

In the biblical context (Exodus 20:12; Ephesians 6:2), it includes respect and a commitment of grown
children to care for their parents, especially when they are infirmed. It is one beautiful outworking of the
Gospel. God cares for us, His children, and He models what ongoing, compassionate ministry looks like.
One of the greatest privileges of my adult life has been to pray for my elderly mom. Although we are
separated by many miles and the burden of physical caring for her falls mostly on my precious sister, I do
what I can and I love to pray for Mom.

Here are some of the things I’ve found useful to pray over the years. Perhaps they will be a template for
prayers for your parent.

Father God...

I pray for your continuing PROVIDENCE in my parent’s life.

I am grateful my parent trusted in You long ago, but I know there are many parents and elderly loved
ones who still do not know you, Lord, and I ask you to woo them to Yourself and bring about their
salvation and transformation (Ephesians 2:8-9; 2 Timothy 1:9; 2 Peter 3:9).

I pray You will bring to my loved one’s remembrance all the ways You have been their hope and help—in
many cases since childhood (Psalm 62:5; 71:5; 121:2).

I thank you for all the ways You used my parent to shape my young life. What a precious gift! My parent
guided me in practical ways and showed me how to trust You. Although my parent was not perfect, I
sensed the desire to mold me into a good person, and I’m thankful I was encouraged to become a Christ-
follower.

And now the roles are reversed. I have the privilege to help and serve, and remind my loved one of Your
tender, shepherding care. Give me patience, wisdom and an understanding heart. Help me continue to
show respect and appreciation, and to value who You, in Your Providence, created my loved one to be
(Exodus 20:12)

Ultimately, I know Your care for my parent is beyond anything I can offer, for every good gift comes from
You (James 1:17).

I pray for my parent's PROTECTION.

I pray my parent will keep on leaning on You, the Rock of strength and righteousness (Psalm 71:3a;
73:26; 92:12-15). Spread your protection over my parent, because You are the ultimate Refuge (Psalm
5:11; 46:1).

I ask you to protect my parent from the evil one, and show the way out in moments of temptation (2
Thessalonians 3:3; 1 Corinthians 10:13). May wisdom, discretion and understanding protect and guide
every day (Proverbs 4:6; 2:11; 138:7).

I pray my parent will be courageous, confident in Your presence, help and deliverance (Psalm 121:1-
8; Deuteronomy 31:6; Isaiah 41:10; Psalm 34:19; Psalm 91).

I pray for PROVISION—that you will meet my loved one’s needs.

Show me how to meet my parent’s needs in ways that will please You, Lord. Equip me to be a good
steward in my loved one’s care (1 Timothy 4:5; 5:1-2).

There is much I can do, but You are the Great Provider. Thank you for your willingness to supply my
parent’s needs for Your glory and my loved one’s joy (Romans 8:32; Matthew 6:31-32; 7:11; Philippians
4:19; John 14:13-14; 16:23-24). I pray my parent will be made holy through Your grace and receive Your
good favor (1 Thessalonians 5:23-24; Psalm 84:11)

I pray for POWER, your strength in my parent’s weakness.

As strength declines, I pray for a greater sense of Your presence and power (Psalm 71:9, 18a). You are
mighty, Father, and our strength is in You alone (Ephesians 6:10).

In times of need, help my parent lean on your sufficiency and everlasting arms (2 Corinthians
9:8; Deuteronomy 33:27); and when life feels so impossible, remind my loved one that nothing is
impossible with You (Matthew 19:26).

I pray for PEACE in my parent’s aging years.

I ask You to give my parent a trusting and thankful heart, especially as days grow more difficult (1
Thessalonians 5:18). Help my aging parent take every disappointment to You. Preserve from any
bitterness or spirit of discontent (Psalm 25:21).

I pray the Holy Spirit will teach and comfort, guide and calm (John 16:13; 2 Corinthians 1:4), and that my
parent will not become discouraged in aging.

I pray for continuing PURPOSE in my parent's life.

I ask you to help my parent flourish—“like the palm tree… bearing fruit in their old age”—with an eternal
perspective (Psalm 92:12-15). Work in my loved one’s life for Your glory (2 Corinthians 4:16). Open
appropriate opportunities for ministry and influence.

Help my parent live as a holy and faithful role model, Father, for as long as you allow (Titus 2:2-5). I pray
my parent, from a wealth of experience, will share important life lessons You still want me to learn.

Fill my parent’s mouth with Your praise, and a desire to worship and bring You glory from a testimony
strong and true (Psalm 71:8).

Thank you for the many ways parents can influence children and grandchildren for good. I pray my loved
one will, by word and deed, proclaim Your power and care to this generation (Psalm 71:18b).

Father, I thank you for Jesus, who makes possible our God-honoring transition from this world to
everlasting glory. As I pray these things for my parent, I pray them for myself as well. I pray we all will
someday hear Your “well done.” Amen!

Praying the Scriptures: Prayers for Aging Parents

by Jennifer Clarke

This post may contain affiliate links to products I love. For full disclosure, click here.

One might think I have no business writing a post like this.

One might be right.

Because although my parents are aging in the sense that every human on the face of the planet is getting
older day by day, they’re still far from elderly.
But while I may lack personal experience, I’ve had numerous opportunities to observe the examples of
my parents and others caring for their aging parents.

People I’ve been blessed to watch firsthand as they’ve loved their elderly parents lavishly and served
them sacrificially.

As I think of them and look to the Scriptures, I find plenty of inspiration that will encourage you as
you begin praying the Scriptures for your aging parents.

Prayers for Aging Parents & Their Children

If your parents don’t know the Lord as Savior, pray that they would be saved, reminding God that He isn’t
willing that any should perish, but that all should come to repentance (2 Peter 3:9). Ask the Lord to make
this your parents’ testimony: “My mouth is filled with Your praise, and with Your glory all the day.” Pray
that the Lord wouldn’t forsake them in their old age, that they might proclaim His might to another
generation (Psalm 71:8,9,18).

Ask the Lord to be the strength of your parents’ hearts and their portion forever, even though their flesh
and heart may fail (Psalm 73:26).

Pray that by God’s grace, your parents would not be discouraged as they age, knowing that although
their bodies are wasting away, their spirits are being renewed day by day (2 Corinthians 4:16).

Ponder the truth that the righteous flourish like the palm tree and grow like a cedar in Lebanon, still
bearing fruit in old age. Ask God to enable your parents to declare, “The Lord is upright; He is my rock,
and there is no unrighteousness in Him” (Psalm 92:12-15).

Ask the Lord to help your father to be sober-minded, dignified, self-controlled, sound in faith, in love,
and in steadfastness. Pray that your mother would be reverent in behavior, and not a slanderer. Ask God
to help her teach what is good, continuing to serve as an example of love for her husband and children,
as well as self-control, purity, industriousness, kindness, and submission to her husband (Titus 2:2-5).

Pray that God would help you to honor your father and your mother all the days of your life (Exodus
20:12). Ask that He would guide you in treating your parents with respect, not rebuking them but
encouraging them with a pure heart (I Timothy 5:1-2).

Commit to the Lord your desire to care for your parents in whatever way He desires. Ask Him to help you
show godliness to them, returning to them a portion of all they’ve done for you, for this is pleasing in the
sight of God (I Timothy 5:4).
Claim God’s promise that He is able to make all grace abound to you, so that having all sufficiency in all
things at all times, you may abound in every good work (2 Corinthians 9:8). Share with Him your needs in
relation to caring for your parents, trusting Him to fully equip you for this good work to which He has
called you.

Dear Heavenly Father, parents are a precious gift from You. Thank you for allowing me the joy of having
my parents for many decades, that I might enjoy them and learn from them. I pray that you would help
them to continue growing in grace and in their relationship with You until the very end of their time here
on earth. Please grant me wisdom and strength to care for them in a way that honors them, and honors
You. It’s in the name of my Savior, Jesus Christ, that I pray. Amen.

he bubbles swirled on my phone. I had just texted my mom about my frustrations of raising moody,
hormonal middle schoolers. Just when I think I have one stage figured out, my kids outgrow me to the
next stage, and I’m left balancing precariously on the tight rope of motherhood. My mom reminded me
that if she could get through raising me, then I could do this too. She texted back, “It’s okay. Just pray, it
will be okay.” After we texted back and forth a few more times, I breathed out several thankful prayers
for my mom.

It’s moments like this when I realize just how grateful I am to have a mom. Mothers give us everything.
They give up their careers, their lives, their sleep schedule (which is why God blessed us with coffee),
their bodies, and their hearts. And when we become mothers—they become our lifelines. As Mother’s
Day looms on the calendar, we need to keep these blessed sanity-saving women in our prayers. Here are
12 prayers for moms.

Prayers for My Mom for Protection

I often pray scriptures over my mom. She has a knack for choosing careers that have the potential for
danger. She was a nurse for 27 years before she decided to retire and drive a semi-truck all over the
country with my stepdad. If she isn’t saving lives in the emergency room, she’s saving lives by delivering
vital, time-sensitive materials all over the country. Whether or not your mother has a job filled with
dangers or she’s retired, here are prayers to protect her mind, body, and spirit.

A Hedge of Protection Around Her

Lord, I lift up my mom to You and ask that You place a hedge of protection around her. Protect her spirit,
body, mind, and emotions from any kind of harm. I pray for protection against accidents, injuries, or
abuse of any kind. I ask that You surround her with Your arms of protection and that she is able to take
refuge in the shadow of Your wings. Hide her from any evil that would come against her and open her
eyes to any danger. In Jesus’ name, I pray. Amen.

Prayer for My Mom's Health

Jesus, my Great Healer, please bring health to my mother. Protect her against every virus, germ, and
illness. Build up her immune system and keep it strong. Fill her with Your strength and energy so that she
is able to get through her day effortlessly. May you bind up any wounds and protect her from further
pain or injury. Shield her just as she has shielded me. In Jesus’ name, I pray. Amen.

A Prayer for Tired Moms

Heavenly Father, I lift up mom. I know that her soul longs after You. I know that she can only flourish
when she seeks after You with her whole heart but right now, she’s battle-weary and bone tired. She
feels like she is on the losing end of the battle she’s facing. Lord Jesus, help her seek you in the mundane
moments and turn those moments of seeking into glory-filled moments of delight. Touch her spirit with
your renewing hand.

Being a mom is physically, mentally, and emotionally exhausting at times. Give her rest that comes from
surrendering to You. Lead her beside still waters. Help her to be still and know that You are her God, and
You will fight for her. Revive her spirit that comes from the touch of Your Holy Spirit. Help her weary
bones come to life again. In Jesus’s Name. Amen.

A Prayer for A Stressed-Out Mom

“May you have clarity of thought and a morsel of sanity today. May you know that His grace is enough.
For every season, every tantrum, every question, every failure. It is enough. Always.

May you know that you are wildly loved by your Father, just as you are. Not because of what you
accomplished today, or didn't. Or how you feel about God at this moment, or whether you complained,
or spent time reading your bible, or messed up in the worst way, or celebrated a victory. He adores you,
just because.

And with this knowledge, may you feel empowered to love your children the same way. The way God
asks you to, the way your kids deserve, and the way you want to.

May you feel equipped to tackle every challenge, every situation, and every day with courage and joy
even if you have to "start over" 10 times by 9 a.m.

May excitement fill your heart every morning for all that the day can be. Your children are your treasure,
and this day is a gift-- may you fully embrace it all.

May you lay your head down at night with a heart that is bursting and memories too plentiful to count.
May you know unspeakable joy at the end of the day.

May you recognize that though these days are so (so, so, so, so) long, the years are short. They are a
breath. And as you exhale yours in the darkness of the night, may your cup overflow with thanksgiving.
May your dreams be sweet and your sleep be restful.

Sleep well, Momma, knowing that the work you are doing is good, and your Father is smiling on you.”

—Malinda Fuller

Prayers for Mothers with Scripture

No matter who I pray for, I often weave in Scripture. Not only does Scripture lend our hearts to the Holy
Spirit, but you’ll find several examples of individuals using Scripture in prayer, and so did Jesus. It also
glories our mighty God.

A Prayer for Peace for My Mom

Father God, every time I think of her, I thank You (Philippians 1:3). As I lift up my mom to You today, I ask
that You help her not to worry about anything but to bring everything to You. Give her an attitude of
thanksgiving as she makes her requests known to You. Give her Your peace Father God which surpasses
all understanding and guard her heart and mind in Christ Jesus (Philippians 4:6). Leave her with the
peace You have given, not as the world gives but Your peace that surpasses all understanding. Remove
the troubles of her heart and help her not be afraid (John 14:27). Remind her as she seeks You, that you
will answer her and deliver her from all her worries and fears (Psalm 34:4). In Jesus’ name. Amen.

Prayers for My Mom for Blessing – Ephesians 3:16-20

Father God, I pray that out of Your glorious riches that You may strengthen my mom with Your power
through Your Spirit so that Christ may dwell in her heart through faith. And I pray that my mother is
deeply rooted and established in love that she may have the power, together with all the Lord’s holy
people, to grasp how wide and long and high and deep is the love Jesus has for her and to know this love
that surpasses knowledge—that she may be filled to the measure of all the fullness of God. Help her
embrace in her heart the knowledge that You are able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or
imagine, according to his power that is at work within us. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

A Blessing of Renewal for Moms and Grandmothers

Father God, today we lift up all the mothers and grandmothers on this special Mother’s Day. This past
year has been one hard moment after another. COVID has pushed us off balance and out of rhythm.
Moms have found themselves to be weary, worn, and withered with all the extra responsibilities,
loneliness, isolation, death, dying, and illness surrounding us. But Father God, as You have promised
You’ve been with us through it all. When we faced hard things, You were with us. When we walked
through the fires, we were not burned. When we faced rivers of doing more, trying harder, You did not
let it drown us. Instead, You redeemed every hard moment for good (Isaiah 43:1-4) You saw each and
every weary mom and, grandmom and Your presence and comfort remained steadfast. Today, as we face
a future of new rhythms, I ask that You richly bless us with Your wisdom as we learn to trade trying for
trust, doing for rest, running for being still (Hebrews 6:19-20). Help us to turn to You to renew our spirits
day by day. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

To Be A Light

Dear Heavenly Father, thank You for giving me the privilege of being a mom. I pray that you will help me
be a beacon that shines the light of Christ to my children as well as the children that I come in contact
with through the course of a day. You are the Light of the World and I pray that I will be a shining
reflection of that light today. In Jesus’ Name, Amen. (Sharon Jaynes)

Prayers for My Mom for Strength and Perseverance

As a mom, we know the feeling of being overwhelmed. We know how it feels to be at the end of our
rope whether it’s balancing conference calls and getting the kids online for school, 2 a.m. feedings and
snarky teens, God sees us battling for steady strength and perseverance. Here are prayers to pray over
your mom.

A Prayer of Strength

Father God, thank you for these little ones. Your word says each child is a blessing from You. But
sometimes it’s hard to remember this when they’re emotional, rebelling, disrespecting, and in the midst
of mess-making. But I am so thankful that You had the wisdom to make [insert mom’s name] as my
mother. Thank You that you have walked with her through the depths, the valleys, and the mountains of
motherhood. Today, I lift up my mom to know because she has been an incredible source of strength,
wisdom, and the best listening ear. Continue to bless my mom with discernment, intuition, joy, patience,
and strength. In Jesus’ Name Amen.

A Prayer for Courage

Dear God, I lift up my mom today and all that she faces. Please give her the strength to purposely slow
down and get quiet before You and to listen to your voice. Lord, help her to seek You –and Your purposes
– above any other pursuit in life. Give her the courage to face whatever obstacle she may face today.
Help her to stay focused on the eternal instead of the temporary and help her to not just talk about her
relationship with You but go actually go to You with all of her worries, priorities, and desires. Whisper to
her that you are aware of it all and Your word promises that when she puts You first, You will take care of
everything else. Help her to have the courage to rest in You. In Jesus' name. Amen.

A Prayer for Those Hurting on Mother’s Day

“Dear God, Some days feel too hard. We’re hurting. Struggling. Fighting fear and worry at every turn.
Thank you in the midst of it all, you haven’t left us to fend for ourselves. Forgive us for doubting you are
there. Forgive us for thinking you’ve forgotten. Forgive us for believing we somehow know the better
way.

You are fully trustworthy. You are All-Powerful. You are Able. You are Lord over every situation no matter
how difficult it may seem. You are Healer and will never waste the grief we carry today. You will use all
things for good in some way. Anything is possible with you. Nothing is too difficult for you.

We pray for those who grieve today. We ask for your comfort to surround those who weep. We pray for
the peace of your presence to cover our minds and thoughts, as you remind us, the enemy can never
steal us out of your hands. He never has the final say over our lives. We are kept safe in your presence
forever, whether in life or in death.

We thank you that your ways are higher than our ways and your thoughts are bigger than our thoughts.
We lay it all down at your feet, every burden, every care. Believing that is the safest place for it to be. We
love you, Lord, we need your fresh grace. In the Powerful Name of Jesus, Amen.” —Debbie McDaniel

A Prayer of Gratitude for My Mom

Jesus, thank You for the gift of Mother. She has been a blessing all my days. She is compassionate and
selfless. She is strong, intuitive, and encouraging. She is kind and warm-hearted. She is filled with Your
wisdom, discernment, joy, intuition, and passion. Thank You for giving me a warrior mom who comes to
You for all her needs and mine. Thank you for her life, her laugh lines, and her love. I pray that You bless
her richly today and help me show her appreciation for her indispensable presence in my life. In Your
mighty name, Amen.

Bible Prayers for Aging with Grace

 Rick Hamlin

 3 min read
Each day, finding another chance to grow in faith through love and trust

“Old age is no place for sissies,” my 90-something mom used to say, quoting that famous line from Bette
Davis. I’m still in my sixties, but even now I’m beginning to understand what she meant. All the more
reason to turn to the Bible for support.

Do not cast me off in the time of old age; do not forsake me when my strength is spent. (Psalm 71:9)
Frustrated by something that used to be piece of cake but now is taking so much out of you? Be like the
Psalmist. Let God know. He needs to hear.

He shall be to you a restorer of life and a nourisher of your old age… (Ruth 4:15) So maybe I can’t jog as
fast as I did at 20…but there is a source, a heavenly source, looking out for me. Nourishment for the
body as well as the soul.

The righteous flourish like a palm tree, and grow like a cedar in Lebanon…In old age they still produce
fruit. (Psalm 92:12-14) I’ve caught myself saying more than once, “I wouldn’t want to be in my 20s
again.” Why? Because if anything, with age we acquire wisdom. And that’s what produces fruit.

Gray hair is a crown of glory, it is gained in a righteous life. (Psalm 16:31) Okay, it’s not just being older
that is the advantage. It’s about learning from experience. Taking the right lessons. Loving the Lord and
learning from God. That’s when gray hair can be a crown of glory. Take a look at my silvery locks!

So even to old age and gray hairs, O God do not forsake me, until I proclaim your might to all the
generations to come.(Psalm 71:18) I love this prayer. It’s such a potent reminder how important purpose
is to life. And as the Psalmist says, no matter our age, we still have this divine purpose: To proclaim God’s
love for all to hear.

I am confident of this, that the one who began a good work among you will bring it to completion by
the day of Jesus Christ. (Philippians 1:6) Even at my age I feel like a work in progress. Every day offers
another chance to grow in faith, to learn more, love more, trust more, pray more. None of us can know
when the end will come—that’s for God to decide. Until then, we grow.

Grandchildren are the crown of the aged, and the glory of children is their parents. (Proverbs 17:6)
Some things are truly worth the wait. Like grandchildren. We had our first this summer, beautiful baby
Silas, and we expect our second one in December, this one to be named Rick like me. Another Rick
Hamlin? No, no, something even better. What glory awaits.

A Prayer for When Your Elderly Parents Need You - Your Daily Prayer - November 13

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A Prayer for When Your Elderly Parents Need You
By Molly Law

“Honor your father and your mother, as the Lord your God commanded you, that your days may be long,
and that it may go well with you in the land that the Lord your God is giving you” - Deuteronomy 5:16

Today’s prayer is a very personal one for me, and I hope it reaches and touches those in similar
situations. My mother has Alzheimer’s — early-onset — she’s only 58. Even if she wasn’t so young,
Alzheimer’s is still a horrible disease that changes the very core of an individual until, in one long,
agonizing process, you can no longer recognize the person sitting in front of you, and neither can they.

As our parents grow older, they are more likely to have more medical issues: diabetes, cancer, dementia,
broken hips, etc. When those things happen, life’s natural roles become reversed. We suddenly become
our parents’ caregivers. For some of the more severe diseases, like Alzheimer’s, it can feel like we
become the parents and our parents, our children.

In the beginning, my mother had resilience in the face of her diagnosis, which was commendable. She
was always in high spirits about life, which I found hard to grasp. She never let Alzheimer’s define her or
dictate her quality of life. After three years of her diagnosis, she has deteriorated quite a bit and is hardly
the woman I called mom my entire life.

Her reactions have become childlike, and I have recently had to drive her to certain events. It is hard to
comprehend the fairness of it all: how someone so generous and loving could become vehement and
easily angered; why my sisters and I have to sacrifice our lives at such young ages. On the other hand, I
still love to hear my mom’s laughter and see her having fun because those moments that were once at
the very core of her being are becoming a rare commodity.

As with any disease that takes hold of our parents, we always need to live in the present joys that allow
them to still be them — that we still have this time to spend with them. For one day, I might have to say,
“Mom, I’m your daughter, remember?” So, today, despite the heartaches and inconveniences, I will be
grateful and enjoy the memory my mother still has left.
Let’s Pray:

Dear Lord,
I pray for all of the ailing parents out there. I pray for their children who suddenly find themselves on the
other end of the natural order. I pray that you will give them comfort and strength as they navigate the
diagnosis, treatment, and living arrangements.

I pray that you give us patience when the disease takes over and changes our parents. Be with us as the
role reversals of life throw us off balance. Lord, I pray that even in the midst of this one loss, we
remember the time we have to love. Thank you for this time that has grown even more important. I pray
that we will focus on the present good and not the future bad.
Father, we all know that anything is possible for you. We know you have the power to heal. I believe in
your miracles. We also know that your ways are higher and mysterious. Lord, our parents love you and
will one day be with you forever in heaven. I pray that will give all of us peace and solace to rest in that
knowledge.

I pray for the parents who are not saved that they will come to know you and that their children will
show them the way. So, I pray that whatever may happen, whether you choose to heal them or not — if
there is a cure in their lifetime — I pray that your will be done in all of our circumstances.

Thank you, Lord, for parents — our mothers and our fathers — thank you for their wonderful and unique
lives with us and our families. Thank you for this time we have with them. Thank you for being with us
through these difficult times.

There are no words to describe this particular grief. Grieving in intervals of layers lost until they are
ultimately gone. Please guide us through the toll this takes on our mental, physical, and spiritual health. I
pray for every child having to parent a parent. I pray for the parents who are suffering from any disease
or pain. I pray for your comfort and healing in all circumstances.

We love and trust you with all of our hearts, our Healer, our Savior.

In Jesus’ name, Amen.

7 Simple Prayers for Your Aging Parents and the Elderly

by Ufuoma Fijabion September 23, 20242 Commentson 7 Simple Prayers for Your Aging Parents and the
Elderly

Have you ever wondered what life looks like for your aging parents? The other day, my 74-year father
said – this aging thing is really an interesting phase and experience of life, you get to watch life’s seasons
unfold before your eyes. You watch your once youthful and strong body change in appearance, strength,
ability and endurance. You also get to see how your threshold for pain slowly weakens over the years.
What you could easily endure in your younger years now requires constant medication to keep you going
forward every single day. Today, I am sharing with you 7 Simple Prayers for Your Aging Parents and the
Elderly

As I reflected over his words later in the day – I thought about how the aging experience must feel like
for some of the elderly amongst us. Hard? Tough? Painful? Lonely? Scary? Gratitude? Hopeless? A daily
struggle or just simply taking each day as it comes. This also reminded me of the need to always say
simple prayers for your aging parents and the elderly amongst us.

“Taking care of our elderly parents gives us the opportunity to learn from their wisdom and
experience. It is a chance to gain a new perspective on life, to appreciate the little things, and to
prioritize what truly matters.” – Unknown

The journey through life from your cradle to old age will come with different seasons and experiences.
And sometimes how you lived in your younger years may have some amount of impact in the latter years
of your lives. Think rest. Think exercise. Think about habits and lifestyle. Think about regular health
checks.
As many get older, they are faced with their fears and failures from their younger years. Others are
confronted with the reality of being dependents for the rest of their lives. And there are those who are
all alone with no family in sight, left to face the end of their lives heartbroken, lonely and sad. They are
indeed left with a multitude of questions floating in their heads and wishing they could go back in time
to make changes.

Did I treat my body right in each season of life?

Did I make wise financial decisions and investments?

Did I spend time with and invest in my family and loved ones?

Did I give priority to my health and well-being?

Did I plan well enough for my retirement and to be financially independent?

Did I make good decisions that impacted my life, finances, body and family positively?

Why do I have to live with this life-long health challenge?

How do I face life with this new medical diagnosis?

For the aging and elderly, these and many more questions will fill their hearts knowing that this new
season of life comes with its own fears, challenges struggles and limitations. Some are afraid of what
tomorrow will look like especially when battling with a health challenge or an incurable disease. Some
others will learn to embrace their new normal as they lean on their loved ones and family for all the
support they need as they navigate old age. This is where your prayers can come in as a sort of support
and comfort as they walk through their aging season.

“Taking care of elderly parents is not a burden; it is an act of love that brings purpose and fulfillment.”
– Unknown

Contents

 Bible Verses for Aging Parents and the Elderly

 7 Simple Prayers for Your Aging Parents and the Elderly Amongst Us

Bible Verses for Aging Parents and the Elderly

In the bible we see generations called out – The God of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob. We read about an
aging Isaac proclaim the blessing on his son, Jacob. In Genesis 48, Jacob blesses his grandchildren,
Ephraim and Manasseh, the children of Joseph. Paul the Apostle also reminds Timothy of the faith of his
mother and grandmother and their impact on his life.

“And Israel stretched out his right hand and laid it on the head of Ephraim, who was the younger, and his
left hand on the head of Manasseh, crossing his hands (for Manasseh was the firstborn). And he blessed
Joseph and said, “The God before whom my fathers Abraham and Isaac walked, the God who has been
my shepherd all my life long to this day, the angel who has redeemed me from all evil, bless the boys;
and in them let my name be carried on, and the name of my fathers Abraham and Isaac; and let them
grow into a multitude in the midst of the earth.” – Genesis 48:14-16
Even though the aging years will have its own challenges, it is good to note that this season of life comes
with its own blessings. I love how Proverbs 20:29 (AMP) speaks about aging. “The glory of young men is
their physical strength, and the honor of aged men is their gray head representing wisdom and
experience.”

The aging years comes with wisdom and experience that can be used to teach and counsel the younger
generation behind you. The bible also describes grandchildren as the crowning glory of the aged. The
elderly who lives long enough will get to see their values and legacy passed on from one generation to
the next.

The word of God also points us to his promises for the aged and elderly. He assures us of promises of his
presence, provision and blessings. God promises to be their God and be with them throughout their
lifetime and until their hair is white with age. What a comforting assurance to know that your aging
parents and the elderly are never alone.

Here are some bible verses to keep in mind as you pray for your aging parents and the elderly.

Grandchildren are the crown of the aged, and the glory of children is their parents. – Proverbs 17:6

The glory of youths is their strength, but the beauty of the aged is their grey hair. – Proverbs 20:29

So with old age is wisdom, and with length of days understanding. – Job 12:12

The righteous flourish like the palm tree, and grow like a cedar in Lebanon. They are planted in the house
of the Lord; they flourish in the courts of our God. In old age they still produce fruit; they are always
green and full of sap, showing that the Lord is upright; he is my rock, and there is no unrighteousness in
him. – Psalms 92:12-15

Even to your old age I am he, even when you turn gray I will carry you. I have made, and I will bear; I will
carry and will save. – Isaiah 46:4

Though my flesh and my heart fail, God is the rock of my heart, my portion forever. – Psalm 73:26

O God, from my youth you have taught me, and I still proclaim your wondrous deeds. So even to old age
and grey hairs, O God, do not forsake me, until I proclaim your might to all the generations to
come. – Psalms 71:17-19

But take care and watch yourselves closely, so as neither to forget the things that your eyes have seen
nor to let them slip from your mind all the days of your life; make them known to your children and your
children’s children. – Deuteronomy 4:9

But the steadfast love of the Lord is from everlasting to everlasting on those who fear him, and his
righteousness to children’s children, to those who keep his covenant and remember to do his
commandments. – Psalm 103:17-18

7 Simple Prayers for Your Aging Parents and the Elderly Amongst Us

A Daily Prayer for Aging Parents

Dear father,
I lift my aging parents to you today and ask that you help them navigate the fears, overwhelm and
challenges that come with this new season of life with ease. Take away every form of anxiety about their
future and give them the courage and grace to face each new day with strength and gratitude.

Lord, surround them with your love and faithfulness in tangible ways. May they experience your
goodness and mercies in their lives like never before. Fill their hearts with your joy and peace. Help them
to embrace their aging years with their faith in God intact while keeping eternity in view.

Point them to your truth and wisdom and may your word and presence be their anchor and guiding light
as they live out their remaining days on earth. Father help them to ponder through their lives and show
them where they need to make amends and choose forgiveness. I pray that you who has sustained and
kept them till this point will keep them whole and strong for the rest of their days. Amen!

A Prayer for their Salvation

I will give them an undivided heart and put a new spirit in them; I will remove from them their heart of
stone and give them a heart of flesh. Then they will follow My decrees and be careful to keep My
laws. They will be My people, and I will be their God. – Ezekiel 11:19-20

Lord, I pray that you will bring our unsaved aging parents into your kingdom. Take away every heart of
stone, bring down every wall standing in their hearts and minds against their salvation.

Open their eyes to see the lies Satan has sold to them over the years and may they see the way that
leads to Christ. I break the power of the devil over their minds and call forth their salvation. They have
been saved by grace and will confess Jesus as their Lord and savior in their lifetime. Amen!

A Prayer for their Protection

The LORD keeps you from all harm and watches over your life. The LORD keeps watch over you as you
come and go, both now and forever.- Psalm 121:7-8

Dear God, protect the elderly amongst us every single day. Shield them with your presence and keep
them far from evil. I pray that they will never be victims of workers of iniquity and wicked men.

Protect them when they drive or are being driven. Protect them when they take a walk or sit outside
their homes. Protect them when they go for hospital visits and carry out medical tests. Protect them
inside their homes from danger, disasters and calamity. Protect those amongst them with mental illness
and memory loss from mishaps. I pray that everywhere they go, your presence will always go with them
as a guide and shield. And may your angels continually watch over them to protect them from all harm.
Amen!

A Prayer for their Health

I God have carried you since you were born; I have taken care of you from your birth. Even when you are
old, I will be the same. Even when your hair has turned gray, I will take care of you. I will sustain you and
I will rescue you.- Isaiah 46:3-4

Father, thank you for how you have sustained the health of my aging parents up till this very moment.
Thank you keeping and preserving their lives thus far. I am grateful for how you have helped them
navigate every health scare and challenge so far. And I am grateful for the gift of life, strength and peace
in their lives.

For those whom you have kept whole and healthy so far.

Lord, may they never take for granted this grace upon their lives. Continue to keep their minds sharp and
alert, their bodies strong and resilient, their souls full of heavenly peace and wisdom. I pray that they will
live out the rest of their days agile, full of strength and free of diseases in Jesus name. Amen!

For those battling a health challenge.

Heal me, O Lord, and I will be healed; save me and I will be saved, for you are the one I praise.
– Jeremiah 17:14

Father, fill their hearts with faith and hope for each new day. Help them to remain steadfast in faith as
they keep their trust in you. I pray that their spirits will not be broken. You said to us in your word that
you will sustain and strengthen us on our sickbed. Father, sustain them through every health challenge
and restore them back to life. May they always find comfort in your word and hope for their healing.

For those with Terminal Illness

But as for me, I know that my Redeemer lives, and he will stand upon the earth at last. And after my
body has decayed, yet in my body I will see God! I will see him for myself. Yes, I will see him with my own
eyes. I am overwhelmed at the thought! – Job 19:25-27

Dear God, help them to navigate their current season of life with strength and gratitude. Give them the
courage to accept their current reality. Rid their hearts of any form of bitterness and anger. I pray that
they will feel the depth and height of your love for them despite all that they are going through. Fill their
hearts with peace and an assurance of spending eternity with you.

Lord calm their nerves and soothe the pains from the cancer, medications and chemotherapy. Wrap your
loving arms around them and help them to keep their eyes on Jesus. Dear God, I pray that when it is
time for you to call them home to you, it will be pain-free and free of struggles. May they feel a deep
sense of peace and gratitude for their lives in that moment as they look to Jesus. May they be
surrounded by their loved ones holding them close as you welcome them home to heaven. All of these I
pray in Jesus name. Amen!

A Prayer for Strength

What else do I have in heaven but you? Since I have you, what else could I want on earth? My mind and
my body may grow weak, but God is my strength, he is all I ever need. – Psalm 73:25-28 GNT

Lord, fill the hearts of our aging parents and the elderly with this truth – that you are all that they ever
need. I thank you for being their strength and giving them strength for each new day. Father, strengthen
their hearts and minds to stand firm and unbroken irrespective of whatever may come their way in this
season of life. Strengthen their bodies and give them the desire and will to take better care of their
bodies. I pray for strength for them to do those things that will help them live a healthier and balanced
life. Amen!

A Prayer for Provision

Look at the birds of the air; they do not sow or reap or store away in barns, and yet your heavenly Father
feeds them. Are you not much more valuable than they? – Matthew 6:26

Dear Father,

I pray for our aging parents and the elderly amongst us, that you will supply all that they need to
navigate this season of life. Meet their daily needs and show them your goodness and favor.

I pray that the finances to meet their physical, material and health needs will always be available as and
when due. Empower and bless their children and loved ones financially so that they will have more than
enough to care for them.

Lord, even as you feed and care for the birds of the air, I pray that these ones will not suffer hunger,
shelter or lack. You will send helpers and strong support systems into their lives who will show them
kindness in their old age. I thank you heavenly father for a constant supply of the needed care, finances,
love and support in this season of their lives. Amen!

A Prayer for Wisdom and Purposeful Living.

So with old age is wisdom, and with length of days understanding. – Job 12:12

Father I thank you for a renewed infilling of your wisdom in the lives of our aging parents. As their days
are, so shall they be full of God’s wisdom. Let this wisdom radiate from them into the lives of their loved
ones. May their words always be laced with wisdom and counsel for their families and community.

I pray that your wisdom will help them to walk through their aging years with ease and clarity. They will
not be discouraged or feel hopeless at anytime because your wisdom will be their guide and strength.

I pray that as they age, their lives will bear fruits of great impact and lasting legacies in their families and
world at large. May they still find meaningful ways to contribute wisdom and insight in their churches
and communities. May their latent gifts come alive in this season that they may use them to bless many
around the world before the end of their lives. Thank you father for making them fruitful and flourishing
in their old age. Amen!

A Prayer for Dealing with Difficult Parents

If you need wisdom, ask our generous God, and He will give it to you. He will not rebuke you for asking. –
James 1:5 NLT

Lord, I ask today for wisdom for every child dealing with difficult elderly parents. Give them wisdom to
navigate their relationship with their parents. Give them a discerning heart, grace to persevere and
strength to do your will concerning their aging parents.

I ask that you help them release all bitterness and anger that they may surrender to your way of loving
others. Help them to forgive and give them strength to do what is right even when it is difficult.

I pray that you fill their hearts with unconditional love for their parents and also open the hearts of their
parents to receive this love without judgement and criticism. Heal all that is broken in these families and
restore the lost years as you help each one of them relinquish control and yield to the work of the holy
Spirit in their lives. I pray for all of these in Jesus name. Amen!
We're facing some hard decisions about my mother. She's getting more feeble and confused, and we
don't think she ought to be living alone. But we have a very small house and just don't have room to
take her in. To make things worse, she refuses to admit she even needs help. What should we do?

A:

I’m thankful that you’re concerned for your mother; the Bible tells us to honor our parents, and we
should do this as long as they live (see Exodus 20:12). One way we honor them is by doing all we can to
help them as they grow older.

Frankly, your mother’s situation could end badly if something isn’t done as soon as possible. She could
suffer a fall or other serious accident, fail to pay her bills or take care of her physical needs, even run the
risk of being scammed by those who prey on elderly people. Until you’re able to find a permanent
solution, make a point of calling your mother and seeing her as often as you can.

What else can you do? First, share your concerns with her doctor, who’ll be able to evaluate her and
suggest what steps you may need to take. Then seek out alternatives in your community—someone to
help her in her home, for example, or a facility where she’d receive the care she needs. (Your pastor may
be able to point you to local agencies on aging to advise you.) It will be hard for your mother to give up
her independence, but it may be necessary.

Above all, pray for your mother, and also for yourselves. God loves her, and she can depend on His
promise: “Even to your old age and gray hairs… I am he who will sustain you” (Isaiah 46:4).