Monday, January 1, 2001

A prayer during recuperation at home

Father,
We thank You for the healings that have come, For the restorations that have been received; For the many prayers that have been heard. In this time of rest and recuperation, help us to keep our eyes on You and not on symptoms.
We pray that You will grant, in Your own time and in Your own way, a complete return to that health and strength which is Your will. May we never forget Your mercy nor cease to give thanks as health returns.
In Your holy name, we pray. Amen.

___________ Hitherto have ye asked nothing in my name: Ask, and ye shall receive, that your joy may be full.

John 16:24

A prayer for emotional pain

O Lord,

At this time of emotional pain in my life, help me to remember that You became man to grant us a perspective on the suffering of this world. You, too, were moved by intense feelings, and were at times angry, near despair and filled with doubt. You, above all, suffered at the hands of others and were misunderstood by many. Yet, You listened, always with rapt attention, to others in pain, offering them comfort and acceptance.
Teach me now to find new faith in You, in myself, in my doctors and helpers, and in my fellow man. I ask Your grace and courage that I might embrace my life and experiences as my own, good and bad, and begin my life anew today. Allow me that strength to communicate about my inner experience so that others, working through Your hand, may understand and accept me, and I may find Your peace within myself.

Amen.

Prayer of Strength

O Lord,
In this time of need, strengthen me. You are my strength and my shield; You are my refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble. I know, Father, that Your eyes go to and fro throughout the earth to strengthen those whose hearts long for You. The body grows weary, but my hope is in You to renew my strength.
I do not fear, for You are with me.
I am not dismayed or be overwhelmed, for You are my God. I know You will strengthen me and help me, that You will uphold me with Your righteous hand. Even as the shadows of illness cover me, I feel the comfort of Your strength, Our Lord.
Amen.