Discovering 2 lupus prayers I didn’t know I needed for the new year
With lupus, it takes courage to be our genuine selves
Near the end of 2024, the support group Lupus in Color posted the following “lupus serenity prayer” on Instagram:
“God, grant me the serenity to accept the changes and challenges of living with lupus, the courage to face each day with strength, and the wisdom to do what’s good for my mind, body, and soul as I seek the support and treatment I need for a healthier life.”
This prayer was written by Lupus in Color founder Racquel Dozier. It asks for serenity, courage, and wisdom. It recognizes the changes, challenges, fears, and confusion that living with lupus causes, while setting a goal to seek support and a healthier life.
I didn’t know I needed it until I needed it.
Now, a month later, and with no intention of my own, Instagram’s algorithm led me to a story featuring an untitled prayer by public historian Erica Buddington. Because I saw it within minutes of the end of the 24-hour feed, I’m not sure if I missed any earlier posts, but these parts resonated with me:
“Dear God, please bless me with friends who aren’t afraid to act the fool. Dear God, please bless me with friends who will rarely let me eat alone. Dear God, bless me with friends who will insist on meditation and sound bow therapy when my nerves are shot. Dear God, bless me friends who seek joy despite … (fill in the blank).”
The lupus serenity prayer pulls on God’s goodness, while the Buddington prayer summons God’s blessings.
Both prayers are reverent requests to receive strength and people that will help heal the body, mind, and soul. And, yes, both prayers stated what I needed when I didn’t have the cognitive or emotional space to express it. When these prayers are answered, whether frequently or infrequently, I can acknowledge and celebrate it with gratitude.
With an immune system that knows no ease because of systemic lupus erythematosus, this chronic pain, limited abilities, failing organs, burning skin, sparse headaches, and sorrowful spirits can make living — as in doing and being — a hard task every day.
It takes courage to intentionally move and be your genuine self while facing unpredictable, immeasurable pain. (Like, who can really answer the question, “On a scale of one to 10, how bad is your pain?”)
Our fight has to be pervasive for us to continue working while experiencing diminishing abilities and increasing weakness.
Our confidence has to be solid for us to continue validating our skills, intelligence, and creativity while inflammation gnaws at our brain.
Our core has to be rooted for us to know there is more purpose in living through lupus than in surrendering.
There is more purpose in our living. Lupus doesn’t have the power to attack, destroy, or kill our life’s purpose or our life in general. We have reasons to stay.
When it feels like the reality is otherwise, hold on to these prayers. Resolve to say them regularly. They are prayers penned by others for our heart’s memory, giving us the light we need to thrive.
Note: Lupus News Today is strictly a news and information website about the disease. It does not provide medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. This content is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have read on this website. The opinions expressed in this column are not those of Lupus News Today or its parent company, Bionews, and are intended to spark discussion about issues pertaining to lupus.
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