by Rev. Leslie Lang Denny
This prayer is written in honor of my own dad, who was diagnosed with dementia in January 2023. Not only is this my own journey, but I have heard the stories of many others who are also walking this difficult road. My hope is that this prayer helps everyone in this situation feel a little less alone.
Gracious and loving God,
I feel like I am standing in a big chasm of uncertainty.
The person who I have loved for my entire life is changing before my very eyes.
Each day, it feels like they are slipping away from me, piece by piece,
and they are less and less recognizable.
I feel helpless. I feel sad. I feel angry.
It’s easy for me to wallow in my own pain,
but I pray as well for this person in my life whom I love dearly,
who is frustrated and scared about what is happening to them.
Loving God, bring your peace that surpasses all understanding.
As the road continues to get more difficult, surround us with the support that we need.
May I notice and give thanks when I still see glimpses of the person I love.
Help me to enjoy and appreciate the moments we have together.
Give me and others who care patience and understanding in those times when the disease makes our loved one particularly challenging to be around.
I ask that we feel your comfort surround us and lift us up when we do not know what the next steps will look like.
I boldly pray as well, O God, that there will one day be a cure for this disease and that others will not have to suffer in the same way.
Come, Holy Spirit, come. Be here now. Remind us that we are not alone.
In Christ’s name we pray. Amen.
Rev. Leslie Lang Denny is the associate pastor for young adults and missions at First Presbyterian Church in Spartanburg, SC.
