Praying for children with disabilities

Dear Lord,

When you create a person,
you plan that child before conception.
Your plan is perfect.

When children are born with disabilities
or develop disabilities in childhood,
people often assume something is wrong with them.
But that’s not how you see them.
You have planned every person with purpose and calling.
It’s up to us to trust you how that looks
and how that person should be allowed to function and thrive in a world that stereotypes everyone.

I ask that you give patience, compassion, and energy to parents and teachers
whose children have disabilities,
children who learn differently, move with difficulty, or sit without responding.
Give families and caretakers joy in the present moment,
hope for the future,
and no regret for the past or for what might have been.

I ask that these children be filled with joy and happiness;
help them to manage their frustration, anger, and confusion.
Fill their loneliness with meaningful relationships.
Help them develop their passions into skills
and their skills into talents
and their talents into expertise.

Most of all, speak to their hearts and help them to hear You.
I pray for tenderness and compassion for others,
receptivity to the Holy Spirit,
bold and simple faith,
and avenues for impact.

These children (and adults) are poised to impact the world
in ways that no one else can.
May all of us see them as you see them–
whole, expressive,
reflections of God Himself.

Amen.

I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made; your works are wonderful,
I know that full well.–Psalm 139:14

Image by Jean van der Meulen from Pixabay