R: Lord have mercy.
V: Christ have mercy.
R: Christ have mercy.
V: Lord have mercy.
R: Lord have mercy.
V: Christ hear us.
R: Christ graciously hear us.
[Repeat ‘Lord, be close to give your comfort’ after each phrase.]
When the healing process goes slower than hoped,
When terrified by treatments or therapy,
When it is hard to let go of long-held plans,
When the feeling of alienation arises,
When worn out and weary,
When troubled by impatience and negativity,
When loneliness adds to anxiety,
When sickness makes it difficult to communicate,
When discouragement or despondency sets in,
When fear makes it impossible to face the future,
When the ravages of disease attack self-esteem,
When anger and resentment assail,
When beset by worry or fretfulness,
When it is hard to rely on others for care,
When envy arises towards those who are healthy,
When pessimism or cynicism holds sway,
When anguish is intensified by the need for reconciliation,
When sickness is mistaken for punishment,
When loved ones are far away,
When financial hardship from illness leads to worry or despair, When afflicted by the feeling of nothing to hope for,
When weakness makes it impossible to even think,
When friends draw back fearful of disease,
When illness makes those who are suffering moody or irritable, When haunted by regret and the shame of past sins,
When it is difficult to sleep,
When there is a loss of appetite,
When there is resistance to necessary change,
When tempted by denial,
When nobody seems to understand,
When bound to home or restricted in movement,
When listlessness and apathy threaten,
When medication seems to make things worse,
When all that is needed is a caring touch,
When it is impossible to maintain familiar routines,
When it is hard to find the strength to go on,
When it becomes difficult to pray,
When suffering of any sort becomes hard to bear,
When death draws near,
Our Father...
Let us pray:
Most merciful Father, your beloved Son showed special compassion to lepers, tenderness to those long sick, and healing to the infirm. We place before you all those who are ill and in need of your healing grace.
May the love and mercy of the Divine Physician raise up all who suffer from sickness and restore them to health and peace.
We ask this through Christ our Lord. Amen.