A Parkinson's Prayer

A Parkinson’s Prayer

Dear Lord:

We come to you with hearts overflowing with gratitude for all the help and guidance, blessings and mercies, forgiveness and grace you have lavished on us throughout our lives. Yes, we have now been called to bear the difficulties of Parkinson’s Disease, but those pains amount to little more than irritants compared with the many years past when our lives were filled with so much happiness, so much joy, and so much love. Over those years filled with such unending goodness, we have learned to trust you for each day, whatever it might bring, and to trust you for our future, not just on earth but in heaven. Yes, compared with the promise of eternal life with you in heaven, our current illness is nothing but a sneeze. And that knowledge and trust allows us to carry over the joy and love we have always enjoyed from your bounty, redeeming the time of our current distress.

As the Bible says, “No eye has seen, no ear has heard, and no mind has imagined what God has prepared for those who love Him" (1 Corinthians 2:9). And further, it says, “I am sure that what we are suffering now cannot compare with the glory that will be shown to us.” (Romans 8:18)

So our past was good—we thank you for that—our present is good, in spite of our disease—because you help us to flourish—we thank you for that— and you keep reminding us that our future is glorious—and we certainly thank you for that.

But frankly, Lord, we don’t care very much for Parkinson’s Disease, neither those of us who have it nor those of us who are caregivers for someone burdened by it. We ask, therefore, that you will give us the ability to bear this burden with cheerfulness, and to be content with our lives. As Paul says, “I have learned to be content in whatever circumstances I’m in. And I can endure everything with the help of Christ, who strengthens me” (Philippians 4:11b,13)

Yes, Lord, may this ridiculous disease, that makes us drool on our pillows and shuffle when we walk, may this disease be used by you to improve our character and our spiritual walk. As the debilitations continue to mount, give us the understanding of what’s truly important and what is not. Help our suffering to lead to hope, as Paul says: “And not only this, but we also exult in our tribulations, knowing that tribulation brings about perseverance; and perseverance, proven character; and proven character, hope; and hope does not disappoint, because the love of God has been poured out within our hearts through the Holy Spirit who was given to us (Romans 5:3-5).

Even more than helping us to grow, dear Lord, we ask that you will make each of us a quiet witness to the world, turning our suffering to account by making us model Christians, a light for others, both saved and unsaved, that all may see our commitment to you our God. Make us examples of faithfulness and trust in you, relying on you with all confidence, resting cheerfully in you as we persevere through whatever may come. For “we know that God causes all things to work together for good to those who love God, to those who are called according to His purpose” (Romans 8:28).

Thank you again, dear Lord, for giving us an opportunity to live in this world and to be saved from it. May we always reflect our gratitude for being who you are and what you have done for us, remembering that

In our weakness, you give us strength,

In our suffering, you give us hope,

In our sorrow, you bring us joy,

And in our struggles, you bring us peace.

In Jesus’ name we pray. Amen.