There’s a little girl inside the eldest daughter who never really got to be little. She grew up too fast, loved too hard, and gave too much before she even knew what she had. She’s been the anchor, the fixer, the one everyone calls when everything falls apart. She’s earned every bit of rest she’s never allowed herself to take. This is a prayer for her — and a reminder that she’s finally allowed to put herself down.

A prayer for the eldest daughter

God, give her permission to rest.

She’s been carrying weight that was never hers to carry. She raised siblings who weren’t her children. She became the third parent before she knew what childhood was. She learned to be responsible before she learned to be free.

And now, even as an adult, she still feels responsible for everyone. She still puts herself last. She still believes that her needs matter less than everyone else’s.

Let her know she’s allowed to stop. She’s allowed to set boundaries with the people she’s been saving. She’s allowed to be unavailable. She’s allowed to prioritize herself without guilt.

Remind her that she doesn’t owe anyone her constant availability just because she’s always been there. That saying no doesn’t make her selfish-it makes her human.

Release her from the role she was forced into. Let her experience the childhood she missed. Let her be held instead of always holding. She’s been strong for everyone else. Let her finally be soft for herself.

Amen.

Jacqueline Whitney is the author Held: A 50 Day Devotional For Parents and All That You Deserve.