- Pray for Healing – it may be strange to even put this on the list, but many times someone will ask what I need prayer for and this list is so long I don’t know how to answer. Complete Healing is the answer.
- Pray for Test – I saw a unicorn the other day. Well not really, but a person that has never had a medical test. For me that’s like seeing a unicorn. I may have them often but it doesn’t change that the test may be scary and waiting on results may be hard.
- Pray for Comfort and Strength – probably the first thing that comes to mind when I say chronic illness is something associated with pain. This can be true, but the range of symptoms are far beyond pain it just seems to be the one most people relate to. (see if you can list others in the comments)
- Pray for Education – This is high on my list. When my son was diagnosed, while in utero, with posterior urethral valves. I read over the educational materials as much as possible. I did the homework. What I didn’t realize is not all people are like this. Not everyone wants to know the possibilities. They want to cross the road when it happens. Education on Multiple Sclerosis in my family would help not just me but my family.
- Pray for Family – care givers take on a huge responsibility. Some work full time, and their health declines because life doesn’t stop. The caretaker is providing medical care for their loved one, then still having to do all the things of now 2 people. Caregivers need help!
- Plan a visit to their place or better yet pick the caregiver up and take them out. Think of the situation. If the caretaker is away from their loved one all week that may not be the ideal solution.
- Take in consideration how much time they drive the patient to appointments, to the stores, to get out of the house in addition to their job and errands. Don’t assume the caretaker is “with the person constantly.’ Are you taking them away from the only time they have with this person? Try to put yourself in their shoes. If you don’t know ask.
- For both the caretaker and the person with chronic illness arrange a event for the person with chronic illness to do while you have the caretaker out. Drop them off at Bingo, painting or have someone else stay with them.
- Pray for Doctor’s and staff on their team – I can’t tell you how important this is. On Ted Talks Dr. Brian Goldman comes forward and says, “Doctors make mistakes.” He refers to baseball batting average of 300 is considered a “really good” batting average. That’s hitting the ball 3 out of 10 times. Do we know what we expect a batting average for a doctor? We expect them to bat 1000 out of 10 visits they are expected to get it right all 10 times. We expect perfection from our Physicians.
- If we think about that for a minute, how much information would a doctor have to hold in his brain to have all the answers to every patient that walked in his door? Let’s not forget they are human and have human issues just like us. Praying for each person on our medical team is a great way to help us.
- Pray For provisions – There are so many things that we must haul with us when we leave home. Let alone the things we need in our homes. This list can be anything from Medications, cooling vests, change of clothes. These are some that stick out to me on a normal basis.
- A parking spot – Although I have a handicap parking card. Most falls I have are getting out of my car. Handicap spots are up front but being close is not the only issue people with restrictions have.
- Restrooms – handicap restrooms seem to be where they also put the changing tables. As a mother and grandmother, I’m so thankful for changing tables, but to have them in a handicap restroom takes from someone that needs that provision. One of the many reasons people with Chronic illness stay home is because of restroom availability and ability to make it to one when needed.
- Stability devices – canes, walkers, scooters, shower chairs, grab bars etc.—these things help us stay independent, help us with quality of life. I have had my cane now about 10 years I am 47. I have had to talk to people twice my age about the importance of using it if the doctor told them to.
- Air/heat – one of the biggest issues that keeps me isolated at home is weather. Considering outside weather verses an establishment temperature and appropriate dress attire.
- Pray For finances – According to National Multiple Sclerosis Society, the average annual costs for someone with MS the U.S. is approximately $69,000.00. Of that $39,000.00 Consists of health care costs. A person with diabetes will pay about $16,752.00 a year on the average and for the U.S in 2017 $237 Billion was a direct cost of Diabetes. [care.diabetesjournals.org] These are just 2 of the many diagnosis we have in our home.
- Pray For understanding – empathy is a gift. If you can remember the last time you were sick. I don’t mean the kind of sick that you can get up and push through. One that forced you to see a doctor or maybe even sent you to the Emergency room. You felt you were going to die if you didn’t get checked. If you can just think about those moments and what sent you to seek medical attention.
- Someone with a Chronic illness often lives with this kind of sickness everyday and in most cases it not just one affliction, it is several at one time.
- Pray For our Faith – I posted on several medical groups a question that asked how Chronic illness has affected your Faith or Religion. Only one person with chronic illness said that her church is involved with her still years later. Many said after they could no longer attend in person because of chronic illness. The church, or people of faith just forgot about them or didn’t involve them anymore. Some said that it made them change their belief system all together. I want anyone fighting chronic illness to know that the Church is made of people, hurting imperfect people that make mistakes. You are not alone, and you are loved.
Like a winter storm that wont let up, we can need all 10 of these prayers in a short time. Share it with a loved one with Chronic Illness and tell them you will pray for them, it may be the first time someone has reached out to them.
If your reading this and need one of these prayers share with your family and friends and let them know some of your provisions or items you would list under the category of comfort and strength. If you need prayer reach out to me and let me pray for you.
