Caregivers primarily work every day, especially if the person or patient they are taking care of is someone who needs daily care and attention. Caregiving is not an easy vocation. Every day, they must give their energy and attention to the person they care for and help them do the things they cannot do for themselves anymore. Some examples are feeding a person who cannot feed themselves, changing people’s clothes, and giving the medicine that people need to take at different times of the day. Like any other job or vocation, it is ideal to start your workday as a caregiver with prayer, specifically in the morning before getting into work.
Here is a simple prayer you can pray as you go to work:
Heavenly Father, thank You for the new mercies that You have for me today. Keep me safe and sound as I travel towards my workplace. Give me the strength and the grace I need as I tackle today’s tasks, and remind me to always depend on You as I do my work. Give me strong presence of mind as I care for my client. In Jesus’ name, I pray. Amen.
What does the Bible say About caregivers?
The Bible does not say anything specifically about “caregivers” as an occupation, but it says quite a bit about caring for others. Giving care to those who need it involves showing mercy to them. Charity works that involve healthcare professionals are often referred to as works of mercy. That is why we call them “mercy ships” when healthcare professionals take a ship to places to help people with their God-given medical knowledge. It is much the same for caregivers. They show mercy towards people who have needs as they care for them. We should show mercy to other people, just as God showed mercy to us. Showing compassion is not just for our enemies but also for those who are suffering.
Matthew 5:7
Blessed are the merciful: for they shall obtain mercy.
Another thing involved with caregiving is compassion. Just as God was compassionate towards us, we should also be compassionate towards others. As a caregiver, you ought to be compassionate to your client as you care for them. Being a caregiver is also a means for a person to be the salt and light to the world. If the client that a caregiver is taking care of is not a Christian, the caregiver has a great opportunity to preach the Gospel to their client as they show mercy and compassion to them. You will not feel fulfilled or enjoy your work unless you are merciful and compassionate.
Matthew 5:13-16
13 Ye are the salt of the earth: but if the salt have lost his savour, wherewith shall it be salted? it is thenceforth good for nothing, but to be cast out, and to be trodden under foot of men. 14 Ye are the light of the world. A city that is set on an hill cannot be hid. 15 Neither do men light a candle, and put it under a bushel, but on a candlestick; and it giveth light unto all that are in the house. 16 Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven.
What to say to encourage a caregiver?
If you have a friend who is a caregiver or a caregiver yourself, know that you are making a significant impact through your vocation. You may see your job only as feeding someone or helping a person change their clothes, but you have actually been a channel of God’s grace and mercy towards that person. Even if your client is not a Christian, they receive God’s undeserved grace and mercy through you as you take care of them (Matthew 5:45). In fact, your non-Christian client is blessed to have you as their caregiver because you have something you can share with them that they ultimately need—the Gospel. Know that you are working heartily for the Lord and that in whatever you do, even as you take care of your client, you are doing it for the glory of God in service for Christ.
Matthew 5:16
Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven.
Galatians 6:9
And let us not be weary in well doing: for in due season we shall reap, if we faint not.
Ephesians 2:10
For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus unto good works, which God hath before ordained that we should walk in them.
1 Corinthians 10:31
Whether therefore ye eat, or drink, or whatsoever ye do, do all to the glory of God.
Colossians 3:23-24
23 And whatsoever ye do, do it heartily, as to the Lord, and not unto men; 24 Knowing that of the Lord ye shall receive the reward of the inheritance: for ye serve the Lord Christ.
Here is one of the prayers you can pray for your vocation as a caregiver:
Heavenly Father, thank You for the grace and the privilege to be used for Your kingdom. Continue to use me and the work I do as a caregiver to reflect Your mercy and grace upon those who need help. Give me the boldness to preach their ultimate need, which is Christ, and to show how gracious You are and how the care they have received is only because of Your grace and mercy. May mercy and compassion always be present as I care for my clients. In Jesus’ name, I pray. Amen.
Since we are on the topic of giving care, there is someone else giving care to you 24 hours a day, seven days a week. That is God. You wouldn’t be where you are right now if not for His grace and mercy in Your life. You are able to wake up, eat, go to work, and enjoy beautiful things in life only because God has sustained You. As you take care of your client, remember that God is also taking care of you!