“Shelter in place” orders and the directive to self-quarantine have impacted everyone. The goal is to flatten the curve of the virus and ultimately to protect the most vulnerable among us. According to the Center for Diseases Control, adults 65 and older are some of the most susceptible people to the hazardous effects of this disease. To protect this population, senior living facilities have severe restrictions on visitors and isolation is the imperative norm for older adults. Dovetail these protective measures with travel warnings for everyone, and people are left yearning to gather with family and friends. Into the reality of this generational loneliness, we offer a “A PRAYER FOR…GRANDPARENTS AND GRANDFRIENDS,” the older adult among us with hearts longing to hold their dear ones, and in particular, their grandchildren and the younger people in their lives.
Proverbs 17:6:
“Grandchildren are the crown of the aged, and the glory of children is their parents.”
Let us pray:
God whose love spans the generations, the young and the old and the in between: we pray out upon these long days of isolation and separation for your steadfast presence and care for all your beloved children. Protect the aged from the harms of the virus whose beautiful bodies, reflecting your divine image, are more at risk. As grandparents and grandfriends are separated from children, grandchildren, and the young ones in their lives, the absence of tender touch and habitual hugs weighs heavy upon hearts. Provide all your people with signs of hope in this season of Christ’s resurrected body. Hold the grand ones among us in your holy embrace as we all await a safer day filled with kisses and hugs that will not be taken for granted. This prayer we offer to you, our grand God of glory. Amen.
Rev. Justin Lind-Ayres