Father of goodness and love, hear our prayers for the sick members of our community and for all who are in need. Amid mental and physical suffering may they find consolation in your healing presence. Show your mercy as you close wounds, cure illness, make broken bodies whole and free downcast spirits. May these special people find lasting health and deliverance, and so join us in thanking you for all your gifts. We ask this through the Lord Jesus who healed those who believed. Amen.
The background of Prayer for the Sick
The Prayer for the Sick is a Catholic prayer that has been used for centuries to ask for God’s healing and comfort for those who are ill or suffering.
The prayer’s origins are unclear, but it has likely been used since the early days of Christianity. In the past, the prayer was often used in conjunction with the ritual of anointing the sick with oil.
The prayer asks for God’s healing and comfort for those who are sick, as well as for strength and faith to endure their suffering. It is a powerful reminder of the importance of faith in times of illness and a demonstration of the Catholic belief in God’s power to heal.
Today, the Prayer for the Sick remains a foundational prayer in the Catholic faith. It is often recited by those who are sick or by their loved ones on their behalf. It is also used in hospitals and hospices, offering comfort and hope to those in need.
Through the Prayer for the Sick, Catholics are reminded of the power of prayer and the importance of seeking God’s healing and comfort in times of illness. It is a way to connect with the divine and to seek strength and hope in the face of suffering.