Prayers during times of illness

When Jesus entered Peter's house, he saw his mother-in-law lying sick with a fever.  He touched her hand, and the fever left her, and she rose and began to serve him.  That evening they brought to him many who were oppressed by demons, and he cast out the spirits with a word and healed all who were sick.  This was to fulfil what was spoken by the prophet Isaiah:  'He took our illnesses and bore our diseases'.  Matthew 8:14-17

General Prayer for health

Christ be with me, Christ within me, Christ behind me, Christ before me, Christ beside me, Christ to win me, Christ to comfort and restore me,Christ beneath me, Christ above me, Christ in quiet, Christ in danger, Christ in hearts of all that love me, Christ in mouth of friend and stranger.

Prayer for those in authority

Loving God, in Christ Jesus, the servant of all, you call us to the service of others. Grant to those who govern the community the skill to recognise its urgent needs and the strength to pursue the common good.  Endow us all with patience and courage, that we may care for the suffering, feed the hungry, shelter the homeless, and sustain the needy.  Through Christ our Lord.  Amen.

"O Lord, come to my rescue, Lord, come to my aid." - Ps 39:14

Invocation of Our Lady

Remember, O most gracious Virgin Mary, that never was it known that anyone who fled to your protection, implored your help, or sought your intercession was left unaided.  Inspired with this confidence, I fly to you, O Virgin of virgins, my Mother.  To you I come, before you I stand, sinful and sorrowful.  O Mother of the Word Incarnate, despise not my petitions, but in your mercy, hear and answer me.
Our Lady of Lourdes, pray for us.

Prayer of St Ignatius

Take, Lord, and receive all my liberty, my memory,  my understanding, and my entire will, all I have and call my own. You have given all to me.  To you, Lord, I return it.  Everything is yours; do with it what you will.  Give me only your love and your grace,that is enough for me.

"Heal me, O Lord, and I shall be healed; save me, and I shall be saved, for you are my praise." - Jer 17:14

Prayer for the Household

Hear us, Lord, and send your angel from heaven to visit and protect, to comfort and defend all who live in this house.  Amen.

Prayer for Health Staff

Wondrous God, author of life, you fashioned us in your likeness and breathed into us the life which is your own.

Be with those whose special care is the health of mind and body.  Fill their hearts with awe for the life which is your gift and sustain them daily in your service, that their hands may bring to others the comfort of your healing touch  Through Christ our Lord.  Amen.

"Lord, save me" - Matt 14: 30

Prayer for those Affected

Merciful God, come to the help of your people.  Be our shelter in this time of peril and strengthen the bonds of our community.  Bring healing to all who suffer the ravages of disease and assist those whose skill and art can put an end to this affliction.  Through Christ our Lord.  Amen.
O God, our refuge and our shield, even when we walk in the shadow of death you are there at our side. Be with your people in this time of danger:  Bring strength to the afflicted and protection to those untouched by disease.
Give us love and courage, that we may trust in your power to save and reach out to all who need our care  Through Christ our Lord.  Amen

"Amen, Come, Lord Jesus." - Rev 22:20

Those who are self-isolated may wish to spend some of the time in prayer.  Use might be made of websites such as Pray as you go, Click to Pray or Universalis to follow the readings at Mass each day or to join in the Prayer of the Church.

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This leaflet is produced by the Liturgy Office. It may be reproduced freely for non-commercial use. Copyright 2020 Catholic Bishops' Conference of England and Wales, 39 Eccleston Square, London SW1V 1PL.
Prayers Copyright 1998, International Commission on English in the Liturgy Corporation. All rights reserved. Scripture quotations are from the ESV Bible (The Holy Bible, English Standard Version), copyright 2001 by Crossway, a publishing ministry of Good News Publishers. Used by permission. All rights reserved. www.liturgyoffice.org.uk/Resources