5 Prayers for Healing

Alzheimer's Prayer

AParentWithAlzheimers117x17

This heartfelt prayer story is written by Heidi after visiting a loved one with Alzheimer's.

Today, like yesterday,

I went to sit beside her.

I warmed one ice-cold hand,

her favorite candy in the other.

I asked her if she liked my sweater.

She looked at me so puzzled,

“Who are you visiting here?”

Her face set in a question.

“Why you,” I said, smiling softly.

“Really,” she said, “how kind.”

As she smoothed her skirt,

I searched her eyes,

but could not see myself

inside of them.

No—I screamed, but not audibly.

Don’t take her away yet.

Please, just one more day,

I beg of You.

Allow me time.

Time to hear her stories,

committing them to memory.

Allow me a peace

beyond all understanding.

Allow me acceptance

from daughter to stranger.

I rejoice, You heard me!

She shared her candy;

she said my name.

You gave me one more day.

-Heidi Haller