Companion
in Illness

Prayers in Sickness

Before an Operation | For Recovery in Sickness
For Nurses, Health Care Workers, and Doctors
For Sleep | A Morning Prayer | An Evening Prayer

Before an Operation

Almighty God,
you know my inmost being,
the secrets of my body and soul.
Fill my heart with trust,
even as I fear,
and bless the surgeons and nurses
and all who work to help me
with gifts of healing and care.
Be near,
gently sustaining me,
and supporting them in their skills.
Amen.

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For Recovery in Sickness

O God, our refuge and strength,
comfort of all who suffer,
help me with your power
and make me well again.
You promised that you would
"turn our mourning into dancing."
Turn my sorrow into joy,
and my weakness into strength,
through Jesus Christ our Lord.
Amen.

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For Doctors, Nurses,
and Healthcare Workers

Lord,
I thank you for those
who try to make others well
and care for those
in suffering and pain.
Give them wisdom in curing
and gentle patience in caring.
For all they have done,
grant them the reward
you promised
those attending the sick:
"Come, blessed of my Father,
here is the kingdom
made ready for you."
Amen.

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For Sleep

Grant me a quiet night, O Lord,
and give me rest,
for I am tired and need sleep.
Watch over me with love
in the silence of night
and let me rest in you
like a child in its mother's arms.
I place my trust in you,
my God.
Amen.

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A Morning Prayer

cloudy day I call upon you, O Lord,
and in the morning you hear me.
In the morning I offer
you my prayer,
watching and waiting.
I lift my heart to you, O Lord,
to be strengthened for this day.
Be with me in all I do, my God;
guide me in all my ways.
I will carry some burdens today;
some trials will be mine.
So I wait for your help, Lord,
lest I stumble and fall.
I will do my work, Father,
the work begun by your Son.
He lives in me and I in him;
may his work today be done.
Amen.

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An Evening Prayer

beside still waters

The Lord is my shepherd;
I want for nothing.
He makes me lie down in green pastures,
leads me beside safe waters,
and refreshes my soul.

He takes me along the right path
for his name's sake.
Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death,
I will fear no evil,
for you are with me;
your rod and your staff give me courage.

You prepare a table before me
in the sight of my enemies
You anointing my head with oil;
my cup overflows.

Surely goodness and love will follow me all the days of my life.
And I will dwell in the house of the Lord for length of days.

Psalm 23

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Everyday Prayers • Simple Prayers
The Wisdom of Scripture • Mary and Prayer in Sickness
Thoughts from a Physician • Why Suffering?
Index Page Jesus, Crucified

Prayer books and commentary provided by
Passionist Publications and Fr Victor Hoagland, C.P.
Send questions or comments about this page to Fr Victor

Companion in Illness

Companion
in Illness