suffering – A Collection of Prayers

September 14

Remember, most merciful Father, I can bear nothing by myself without fainting, but I can bear all things in you if you strengthen me by your grace. Give me strength, that I may endure. I ask for patience, Lord. My heart is steadfast, O God. My heart is steadfast. I am ready to receive whatever you lay on me. Teach me patience as I look on the face of Christ your Son, that as he suffered such terrible things in the body, I may remember that he suffered these things to bear my sin. I commit my strength to you, Lord, for you are my refuge and strength. Keep me and bring me safely out of this trial when it pleases you. Amen.

Source: Adapted from from Treasury of Devotion, 1869, revised from Prayers Ancient and Modern.

Prayers Ancient Made Modern (annotated) is available in print and on Amazon Kindle through Amazon.com.

Based on Prayers Ancient and Modern originally selected and arranged by Mary Wilder Tileston, 1897. Now in public domain.

Carry Your People through All Earthly Evils

Almighty and eternal God,
your Son Jesus Christ healed the sick,
and strengthened them in both body and soul.
We pray, be gracious also to __________.
Assure him of your forgiveness of sins,
strengthen him by your grace
and carry him through all earthly evils
until you bring him to eternal safety;
through your Son, Jesus Christ our Lord.

Source: Paul C. Stratman, 2021, adapted from a prayer by Veit Dietrich for Epiphany 3.

Note: This prayer is written for those who are sick and suffering, and may be approaching end of life.

For the Sick and Suffering

O Christ our Lord,
Physician of salvation,
grant all who are sick the aid of heavenly healing.
Look on all faithful people who are sick
and who love to call on your name,
and take their souls into your keeping,
and deliver them from all sickness and infirmity;
through Jesus Christ. Amen.

Source: Mozarabic Liturgy

Source of this version: Freely modified from Prayers of the Middle Ages, edited by J. Manning Potts, 1954