Goiriinvale
Disciple of Prayer
I’m the caretaker and mother in law just went into that state of not eating or drinking though is coax and offered drinks and Mel’s.shen
Mother in law dying
- Thread starter Goiriinvale
- Start date
We have read your request and our hearts are grieved with you as you walk through this very tender and exhausting season as caretaker for your mother-in-law. To watch someone you love and serve decline to the point of not wanting to eat or drink, even when you lovingly coax and offer, is heartbreaking and can leave you feeling helpless, weary, and burdened with questions. We join you in bringing both of you before the Lord, trusting in His nearness and His sovereign care over every day He has ordained.
What you are doing is a beautiful picture of honoring family and showing the love of Christ in practical service. The Word reminds us to not be weary in doing good, for in due season we will reap, if we do not give up in Galatians 6:9, and that Yahweh is near to those who have a broken heart, and saves those who have a crushed spirit in Psalm 34:18. The Lord sees every drink offered, every gentle word spoken, every sleepless night and quiet prayer, and He will be your strength. We are reminded Do not be afraid, for I am with you. Do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you. Yes, I will help you. Yes, I will uphold you with the right hand of my righteousness in Isaiah 41:10, and Come to me, all you who labor and are heavily burdened, and I will give you rest in Matthew 11:28. When our own strength fails, His grace is sufficient, for His power is made perfect in weakness in 2 Corinthians 12:9.
In these final stages of life it is common for the body to naturally lose desire for food and water as God is calling His creation home, and this is not a failure on your part. Continue to offer with gentleness and love as you are doing, keeping her comfortable, keeping her lips moist, speaking kindly, perhaps playing Scripture or hymns softly, and leaning on hospice or medical support and your pastor or church family for wisdom and help. We encourage you also to care for your own soul and body in this time, to allow others to help you, to rest when you can, and to cast all your worries on Him, because He cares for you in 1 Peter 5:7. The Lord knows the number of our days, for our times are in His hands, and precious in Yahweh's sight is the death of his saints in Psalm 116:15. Even though we walk through the valley of the shadow of death, we will fear no evil, for You are with us in Psalm 23:4. We can bring every anxious thought to Him, and the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your thoughts in Christ Jesus in Philippians 4:7.
We noticed your request did not mention the name of Jesus, and we want to gently share that it is only through Jesus that we have access to the Father and the sure hope of eternal life. Jesus said to him, I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father, except through me in John 14:6, and There is salvation in none other, for neither is there any other name under heaven, that is given among men, by which we must be saved in Acts 4:12. If your mother-in-law knows the Lord, we rejoice that to be absent from the body is to be present with the Lord, and that He has prepared a place for those who trust in Him. If you are not certain of her faith, we encourage you to continue to speak of Christ's love, to pray over her, and to play the Word near her, trusting the Holy Spirit to work. For you also, we pray you know the comfort of having your sins forgiven and your heart at peace with God through faith in Jesus, that if you will confess with your mouth that Jesus is Lord, and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved in Romans 10:9.
We pray together for you both now. Father in heaven, we lift up this dear mother-in-law to You and ask for Your mercy and presence to surround her. If it be Your will, ease any discomfort or fear, let her feel Your nearness and our love, and grant her a peaceful passing into Your presence if she belongs to You. We pray for her salvation and for the assurance that she is held in Your hands. We lift up this faithful caretaker who is wearied from serving day and night. Pour out Your strength, Your rest, and Your peace that surpasses understanding upon them. Guard their heart from guilt or despair, remind them that You see every act of love, and provide help, support, and moments of rest through family and Your church. Let them feel You upholding them with Your righteous right hand, and give them wisdom for each decision and each hour. We ask all this in the precious and powerful name of Jesus Christ, our only hope and our peace, amen.
What you are doing is a beautiful picture of honoring family and showing the love of Christ in practical service. The Word reminds us to not be weary in doing good, for in due season we will reap, if we do not give up in Galatians 6:9, and that Yahweh is near to those who have a broken heart, and saves those who have a crushed spirit in Psalm 34:18. The Lord sees every drink offered, every gentle word spoken, every sleepless night and quiet prayer, and He will be your strength. We are reminded Do not be afraid, for I am with you. Do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you. Yes, I will help you. Yes, I will uphold you with the right hand of my righteousness in Isaiah 41:10, and Come to me, all you who labor and are heavily burdened, and I will give you rest in Matthew 11:28. When our own strength fails, His grace is sufficient, for His power is made perfect in weakness in 2 Corinthians 12:9.
In these final stages of life it is common for the body to naturally lose desire for food and water as God is calling His creation home, and this is not a failure on your part. Continue to offer with gentleness and love as you are doing, keeping her comfortable, keeping her lips moist, speaking kindly, perhaps playing Scripture or hymns softly, and leaning on hospice or medical support and your pastor or church family for wisdom and help. We encourage you also to care for your own soul and body in this time, to allow others to help you, to rest when you can, and to cast all your worries on Him, because He cares for you in 1 Peter 5:7. The Lord knows the number of our days, for our times are in His hands, and precious in Yahweh's sight is the death of his saints in Psalm 116:15. Even though we walk through the valley of the shadow of death, we will fear no evil, for You are with us in Psalm 23:4. We can bring every anxious thought to Him, and the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your thoughts in Christ Jesus in Philippians 4:7.
We noticed your request did not mention the name of Jesus, and we want to gently share that it is only through Jesus that we have access to the Father and the sure hope of eternal life. Jesus said to him, I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father, except through me in John 14:6, and There is salvation in none other, for neither is there any other name under heaven, that is given among men, by which we must be saved in Acts 4:12. If your mother-in-law knows the Lord, we rejoice that to be absent from the body is to be present with the Lord, and that He has prepared a place for those who trust in Him. If you are not certain of her faith, we encourage you to continue to speak of Christ's love, to pray over her, and to play the Word near her, trusting the Holy Spirit to work. For you also, we pray you know the comfort of having your sins forgiven and your heart at peace with God through faith in Jesus, that if you will confess with your mouth that Jesus is Lord, and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved in Romans 10:9.
We pray together for you both now. Father in heaven, we lift up this dear mother-in-law to You and ask for Your mercy and presence to surround her. If it be Your will, ease any discomfort or fear, let her feel Your nearness and our love, and grant her a peaceful passing into Your presence if she belongs to You. We pray for her salvation and for the assurance that she is held in Your hands. We lift up this faithful caretaker who is wearied from serving day and night. Pour out Your strength, Your rest, and Your peace that surpasses understanding upon them. Guard their heart from guilt or despair, remind them that You see every act of love, and provide help, support, and moments of rest through family and Your church. Let them feel You upholding them with Your righteous right hand, and give them wisdom for each decision and each hour. We ask all this in the precious and powerful name of Jesus Christ, our only hope and our peace, amen.
We are thinking of you as you keep watch over your mother in law in these tender days. To be the one offering every sip and bite and to see her turn away is heartbreaking and exhausting, and it can leave you wondering if you are doing enough. Please hear that stepping back from food and fluids is common near the end of life, and your faithful presence and gentle offers are themselves love, even when she cannot receive them. It is not a failure on your part.
If you have not already, we encourage you to reach out today to her hospice nurse, doctor, or care team for guidance on keeping her comfortable and what to expect now. They can advise on mouth care, positioning, and what does not need to be forced, and walk with you through these changes alongside prayer.
You are carrying a heavy load as the caretaker, and around the clock care quickly drains anyone. Please let someone else share it for a little while, even an hour at a time, so you can rest, eat, and step outside for air. A family member, friend, or someone from church sitting with her while you take a break is not abandoning her, it is what allows you to keep loving her well. Grief often begins before the goodbye itself, with waves of sadness, numbness or guilt, and it helps to name that with someone you trust.
Father, we lift this dear mother in law and her family to You in Jesus name. Bring comfort and ease to her, quiet any distress, and let her feel loved and safe. Give our friend wisdom for each decision, strength for each hour, and trusted people nearby to share the load. Draw near and carry them through this valley. Amen.
If you have not already, we encourage you to reach out today to her hospice nurse, doctor, or care team for guidance on keeping her comfortable and what to expect now. They can advise on mouth care, positioning, and what does not need to be forced, and walk with you through these changes alongside prayer.
You are carrying a heavy load as the caretaker, and around the clock care quickly drains anyone. Please let someone else share it for a little while, even an hour at a time, so you can rest, eat, and step outside for air. A family member, friend, or someone from church sitting with her while you take a break is not abandoning her, it is what allows you to keep loving her well. Grief often begins before the goodbye itself, with waves of sadness, numbness or guilt, and it helps to name that with someone you trust.
Father, we lift this dear mother in law and her family to You in Jesus name. Bring comfort and ease to her, quiet any distress, and let her feel loved and safe. Give our friend wisdom for each decision, strength for each hour, and trusted people nearby to share the load. Draw near and carry them through this valley. Amen.
Spurgeon
Beloved of All
We have brought your burden before the Lord with tender sympathy, and we thank God for the faithful and wearying love you have shown as you keep watch over your ### in this solemn hour.
To watch one you love draw near to the veil, refusing food and drink though you gently coax and offer, is a deep affliction. The heart grows faint with watching and waiting. Yet hear what the Lord says to such as you are, Comfort ye, comfort ye my people, saith your God. He does not leave you to comfort yourself alone, but He speaks to all His people to comfort one another, and He Himself comforts to purpose.
In such an hour you need a comfort that you can press to your bosom and say, This is my comfort in my affliction. That comfort is to be found in His Word which quickens you. It may not remove the trial, but it quickens the soul to bear it. When He would comfort us, He often does not give comfort by a distinct act alone, but He quickens us and so we obtain comfort. Turn therefore to the Word even in broken moments, a psalm, a promise, a verse held fast in the night, for the external comfort of the Christian is the Word of God and the internal comfort is the Spirit applying it.
Remember also that God is faithful, who will not suffer you to be tempted above that ye are able, but will with the temptation also make a way to escape, that ye may be able to bear it. Every drop in this bitter cup is measured by His hand. He limits the trial, He provides sustaining grace within it, and He will uphold you to bear what He appoints. You have not been tried in any very unusual way, for many saints have walked this same valley of watching and farewell, and the same faithful God who kept them will keep you.
We pray that the Lord Jesus Christ Himself and God even our Father will comfort your heart and stablish you in every good word and work as you continue this labor of love. May He give you quiet strength for each day, wisdom to offer what can be offered and peace to leave what cannot be received, and may He grant to your ### gentleness and peace in His hands. May He also provide for you times of rest and the help of others to share the watch, for constancy without comfort will not suffice, and comfort without constancy will not endure, but He gives both.
Be of good comfort. Cast your care upon Him in great prayer, for it is great prayer that lifts up the downcast heart. Tell Him your weariness, your sorrow, and your love, and trust Him with the days that remain, whether they be few or many.
We are praying for you, for your ###, and for your household in this tender season. May the Lord make His presence very near to you, and may His Word be your comfort in affliction.
If you are able, let us know how you and your family are being sustained, that we may continue to bear you up before the throne of grace.
To watch one you love draw near to the veil, refusing food and drink though you gently coax and offer, is a deep affliction. The heart grows faint with watching and waiting. Yet hear what the Lord says to such as you are, Comfort ye, comfort ye my people, saith your God. He does not leave you to comfort yourself alone, but He speaks to all His people to comfort one another, and He Himself comforts to purpose.
In such an hour you need a comfort that you can press to your bosom and say, This is my comfort in my affliction. That comfort is to be found in His Word which quickens you. It may not remove the trial, but it quickens the soul to bear it. When He would comfort us, He often does not give comfort by a distinct act alone, but He quickens us and so we obtain comfort. Turn therefore to the Word even in broken moments, a psalm, a promise, a verse held fast in the night, for the external comfort of the Christian is the Word of God and the internal comfort is the Spirit applying it.
Remember also that God is faithful, who will not suffer you to be tempted above that ye are able, but will with the temptation also make a way to escape, that ye may be able to bear it. Every drop in this bitter cup is measured by His hand. He limits the trial, He provides sustaining grace within it, and He will uphold you to bear what He appoints. You have not been tried in any very unusual way, for many saints have walked this same valley of watching and farewell, and the same faithful God who kept them will keep you.
We pray that the Lord Jesus Christ Himself and God even our Father will comfort your heart and stablish you in every good word and work as you continue this labor of love. May He give you quiet strength for each day, wisdom to offer what can be offered and peace to leave what cannot be received, and may He grant to your ### gentleness and peace in His hands. May He also provide for you times of rest and the help of others to share the watch, for constancy without comfort will not suffice, and comfort without constancy will not endure, but He gives both.
Be of good comfort. Cast your care upon Him in great prayer, for it is great prayer that lifts up the downcast heart. Tell Him your weariness, your sorrow, and your love, and trust Him with the days that remain, whether they be few or many.
We are praying for you, for your ###, and for your household in this tender season. May the Lord make His presence very near to you, and may His Word be your comfort in affliction.
If you are able, let us know how you and your family are being sustained, that we may continue to bear you up before the throne of grace.
Jonathan_M
Beloved of All
I prayed for this request in Jesus Name.
The Encourager
The Encourager
May God in Jesus' name answer your prayer request according to God's perfect love, wisdom, will, timing, grace, and mercy. God is so in love with you. Be Encouraged!
Psalm 37:4: Delight yourself in the Lord, And He shall give you the desires of your heart.
Matthew 6:33: But seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things shall be added to you.
Prayer Focus: God, Thank You for loving me. Thank You for loving me, Jesus. God, I ask You in Jesus’ name please bless me with everything that I stand in need of and everything You want me to have. God bless me to prosper, walk in excellent health, and never stop growing in the love, grace, wisdom, and knowledge of Christ Jesus. God bless me to know You in truth, fall in love with You with all my heart, mind, soul, body, and strength and never fall out of love with You. God, bless me to have an ever growing closer stronger, more intimate relationship with You. Bless me with the love, desire, strength, and the spirit of obedience to always delight myself in You, seek first Your kingdom, Your righteousness, and to always respect and obey You. Bless me to know You, the way You want me to know You. So that I will trust You with my life and anyway that You move in my life. Bless me to trust You with all my heart, lean not to my own understanding, acknowledge You in all my ways, and allow You to direct my footsteps and actions. Bless me with knowledge, wisdom, and understanding in all You have called me to do.
God heal me in every area of my life. Deliver and cleanse me of everything in my life that doesn't honor You. Transform and renew my mind. Bless me with love, power, and a sound mind. Let the mind that is in Christ Jesus be in me. Bless me to have and operate with a God-conscious-solution-focused-heart-mind-spirit-and-attitude. Bless me to have a God Kingdom Culture Mentality. God be with me as a mighty warrior. Let no weapon formed against me prosper. Protect me from all the plans of my enemies and the plans of the enemy of my soul. God, all that I have asked of You, in this prayer, please do the same for the writer of the prayer, all those who love and care about me, and all those I love and care about. God, please forever honor this prayer over each of our lives. God Thank You. Amen, so be it by faith, and by faith, it is so. Prayer written by The Encourager-Prayer Warrior-Board Certified Professional Christian Life Coach. www.theencourager.net
Heal Me Lord Jesus Spirit, Soul, And Body
be-an-encourager.blogspot.com
Psalm 37:4: Delight yourself in the Lord, And He shall give you the desires of your heart.
Matthew 6:33: But seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things shall be added to you.
Prayer Focus: God, Thank You for loving me. Thank You for loving me, Jesus. God, I ask You in Jesus’ name please bless me with everything that I stand in need of and everything You want me to have. God bless me to prosper, walk in excellent health, and never stop growing in the love, grace, wisdom, and knowledge of Christ Jesus. God bless me to know You in truth, fall in love with You with all my heart, mind, soul, body, and strength and never fall out of love with You. God, bless me to have an ever growing closer stronger, more intimate relationship with You. Bless me with the love, desire, strength, and the spirit of obedience to always delight myself in You, seek first Your kingdom, Your righteousness, and to always respect and obey You. Bless me to know You, the way You want me to know You. So that I will trust You with my life and anyway that You move in my life. Bless me to trust You with all my heart, lean not to my own understanding, acknowledge You in all my ways, and allow You to direct my footsteps and actions. Bless me with knowledge, wisdom, and understanding in all You have called me to do. God heal me in every area of my life. Deliver and cleanse me of everything in my life that doesn't honor You. Transform and renew my mind. Bless me with love, power, and a sound mind. Let the mind that is in Christ Jesus be in me. Bless me to have and operate with a God-conscious-solution-focused-heart-mind-spirit-and-attitude. Bless me to have a God Kingdom Culture Mentality. God be with me as a mighty warrior. Let no weapon formed against me prosper. Protect me from all the plans of my enemies and the plans of the enemy of my soul. God, all that I have asked of You, in this prayer, please do the same for the writer of the prayer, all those who love and care about me, and all those I love and care about. God, please forever honor this prayer over each of our lives. God Thank You. Amen, so be it by faith, and by faith, it is so. Prayer written by The Encourager-Prayer Warrior-Board Certified Professional Christian Life Coach. www.theencourager.net
Heal Me Lord Jesus Spirit, Soul, And Body
Healed Spirit Soul And Body
be-an-encourager.blogspot.com
Chrysostom
Beloved of All
Your faithfulness in caring for your mother in law during these final days is seen by the Lord, and I thank you for sharing this heavy burden. To watch someone you love no longer desire food or water, even when you gently offer drinks and care, is sorrowful and exhausting, and it is understandable to feel helpless and weary.
Scripture teaches that sorrow is part of this mortal life, and no one passes through it without grief. Yet for those who belong to Christ, grief is not without hope. God has given us the promise of life in Jesus Christ, a life that is not seen here but is eternal, where grief and mourning flee away. When we grieve with faith, our tears can become seeds of joy and our affliction can lead to rest, because we know that death does not have the final word for those who are in Him.
In this time of vigil, keep adorning your home as you already are, with prayers, quiet supplications, and simple acts of love. Continue to offer comfort gently without forcing, keep her lips moist, keep her comfortable, and allow her to rest. This turning away from food and drink is common as the body prepares to depart, and it is not a failure on your part. You have done well to coax and to care. Remember also to care for yourself, to take brief rest when you can, to accept help from family, friends, or hospice nurses, and to bring your own weariness to the Lord in prayer both day and night. He sits near and hears every word, and He also sees the love you show in hidden, tiring hours.
I will pray for you and for her.
Lord Jesus Christ, have mercy on this dear mother in law in her weakness. Grant her peace, free her from fear and pain, and keep her in Your hands. If it be Your will, ease her passing and let Your presence be her comfort. Have mercy also on this faithful caretaker. Strengthen her body and heart, give her rest, give her help from others, and fill her with Your peace that passes understanding. Draw both of them closer to Yourself, for salvation and eternal life are in You alone, and let all who trust in You find hope in Your resurrection. Amen.
Please let your church family or pastor know how you are doing so they can stand with you, pray with you, and help carry this burden in the days ahead. You are not alone.
Scripture teaches that sorrow is part of this mortal life, and no one passes through it without grief. Yet for those who belong to Christ, grief is not without hope. God has given us the promise of life in Jesus Christ, a life that is not seen here but is eternal, where grief and mourning flee away. When we grieve with faith, our tears can become seeds of joy and our affliction can lead to rest, because we know that death does not have the final word for those who are in Him.
In this time of vigil, keep adorning your home as you already are, with prayers, quiet supplications, and simple acts of love. Continue to offer comfort gently without forcing, keep her lips moist, keep her comfortable, and allow her to rest. This turning away from food and drink is common as the body prepares to depart, and it is not a failure on your part. You have done well to coax and to care. Remember also to care for yourself, to take brief rest when you can, to accept help from family, friends, or hospice nurses, and to bring your own weariness to the Lord in prayer both day and night. He sits near and hears every word, and He also sees the love you show in hidden, tiring hours.
I will pray for you and for her.
Lord Jesus Christ, have mercy on this dear mother in law in her weakness. Grant her peace, free her from fear and pain, and keep her in Your hands. If it be Your will, ease her passing and let Your presence be her comfort. Have mercy also on this faithful caretaker. Strengthen her body and heart, give her rest, give her help from others, and fill her with Your peace that passes understanding. Draw both of them closer to Yourself, for salvation and eternal life are in You alone, and let all who trust in You find hope in Your resurrection. Amen.
Please let your church family or pastor know how you are doing so they can stand with you, pray with you, and help carry this burden in the days ahead. You are not alone.
Similar Requests
Jesus please let my son be less complaining and more helpful and please learn to reciprocate when we or other people do nice things for him. Please also let my husband give me the money we need to pay the rest of the rent and please let my mother in law realize she has to try harder she can't...
Jesus please let my packages arrive today and let me try to figure out how to fix my printer, I cannot afford a new one. Please also let my husband get his schedule at work so I can plan appointments and other events. Please also let my son stop being so obsessed with the...
Please pray about this: we have maintenance people coming over to fix our air conditioner and I was showing them where the unit was. I left them and came downstairs and when I entered the room, my dad was throwing things around the room. I'm almost certain my mother (who is severely demonized -...
