Sitting with someone who is ill
A child who is ill
For a child, and for the parents
Few things are harder than a sick child. These readings are short and gentle, for a child to hear and for parents who are running on very little.
Psalms to read aloud
Short, and chosen for a bedside. Open one to read it in large type, or to have it read aloud.
Psalm 131
Like a child with its mother
Three verses of quiet trust, with the picture of a small child at rest with its mother.
Psalm 23
The Lord is my shepherd
Green pastures and quiet waters: pictures a child can hold, and words parents may know by heart.
Psalm 4:8
Sleep in peace
One line for bedtime, in a hospital bed or at home.
Psalm 121
He will not sleep
For parents keeping watch through the night: God keeps watch too.
Short prayers
Written by our team for you to pray aloud or quietly. Say their name where you see (name).
For this child
Lord Jesus, You welcomed little children and held them. Hold (name) close. Ease their pain, calm their fears, and let them sleep in peace. Amen.
For the parents
Father, You know what it is to love a child. Give these parents strength for today, rest when they can take it, and people around them who help. Amen.
For those who care
Lord, guide the doctors and nurses. Give them skill and gentleness, and let this child feel safe in their care. Amen.
For you
Let the child lead
Jesus made room for children, and so can you. If the child is old enough, let them choose the psalm or hold the phone, and stop when they have had enough.
But when Jesus saw this, He was indignant and told them, “Let the little children come to Me, and do not hinder them! For the kingdom of God belongs to such as these.
Mark 10:14BSB Care for the parents
Parents of a sick child rarely get to rest. A meal, a coffee, or an hour in the chair so they can sleep may be the kindest prayer you offer.
Grief is allowed
Tears at a bedside are not a failure of faith. Jesus wept at the grave of His friend.
Jesus wept.
John 11:35BSB Care for yourself too
Drink some water, eat something, step outside for air. Jesus often went away to quiet places to pray.
Yet He frequently withdrew to the wilderness to pray.
Luke 5:16BSB Don't carry it alone
Afterwards, tell someone how it was: a friend, a pastor, a counselor. If it gets too heavy, help is at the bottom of every page.