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

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!

You can read this also:

Hope in Difficult Times

Biblical Affirmations for Difficult Days

Reference for Quotes Used:

https://www.humancareny.com/blog/taking-care-of-elderly-parents-quotes