While many seniors are active in their communities and continue to have a social circle well into their golden years, many are confined to their homes by illness or simply can’t perform daily tasks the way they used to. For these people--and especially for those who don’t have family nearby--belonging to a church can be a blessing. Not only can it provide a sense of belonging and community, members can also prove very helpful and supportive during difficult times.
 
Belonging to a church can also improve mood and self-esteem and can provide a welcome place for seniors to go during the day to get social, play games to help improve memory and brain function, and get out of the house for a while.
 
Here are some of the best benefits of attending a church when you’re a senior: 
 
A shoulder to lean on
 
Becoming an active member in the church means having a sense of belonging and a support system during the most difficult times, such as battling substance abuse, going through marital troubles, or coping with health issues. Many churches even offer counseling services for members of all ages to take advantage of.
 
Help during hard times
 
Most churches will offer help for seniors who are confined to their homes, such as coming by to clean up the house, bringing groceries by, or just checking in and visiting for a while. For those who don’t have nearby family, loneliness can be one of the hardest things to get through, and being a member of a church allows them to feel a sense of family and community.
 
Adult day care
 
Many seniors have in-home care, and when those caregivers need a break or to take time off, adult day care is a perfect way to ensure the senior’s safety and happiness in their absence. Many churches offer these services, which allows the individual to come and socialize, participate in arts and crafts, or offer their own services for a charity. 

​Ease stress
 
Belonging to a supportive group of people can help ease stress and anxiety and boost mood and energy levels, especially if the individual is active within the group. Many churches have community outreach programs, a choir, and various other activities that seniors can participate in. This can help them feel important and vital in their community.
 
Better decision making
 
Studies have shown that people who pray daily exhibit better decision-making skills, because they feel more grounded and self-confident. For those who pray within a group setting, the benefits are even more obvious because the individual feels a strong connection to others and forges relationships.
 
 
Guest post: Jason Lewis

Dr Walker used the story of Peter's arrest and escape to illustrate the power of prayer.
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While we are still asking, God is putting things in place....
He answers yes, no, or not yet....but keep praying.

And if you don't get the answer you think you should:
- it's not because you don't have enough faith
- it's not because you're not good enough
- it's not because God didn't want to

God knows the best pace for one thing to happen so that another can come to pass. God knows what we cannot possible see in front of us. Some things have to happen to fit in with the parts of the plan 'on the other side of Jerusalem' that we can't see.

Trust that He is working
Trust that He is caring.
Trust that He is listening and answering.

​We don't know who is standing outside the door until we open it.

Dr Heather Walker: When you pray you really do make a difference