Read

Asking for Healing in Times of Need

Published:
March 28, 2024
April 5, 2020
Take some time to reflect and read this Catholic prayer for healing in a time of need.|Take some time to reflect and read this Catholic prayer for healing in a time of need.

When we or someone we love is hurting, everything else has a way of fading into the background. The things we would usually think about — how my favorite sports team is doing, or what the weather looks like this weekend — suddenly seems less important than this pain in our lives, and the suffering it is causing, and anything that can be done to fix it. At the same time, serious illness often reveals the limits of what we can do to control our lives or the lives of those around us.

In their times of need, God’s people have a long tradition of asking for and receiving healing. Though faith does not guarantee that we receive what we ask for — God is not a genie who promises to grant our wishes — people of faith have learned that God never fails to receive and attend to those who approach him. Christians have prayed to the Divine Physician through the centuries, and we are also invited to bring our needs, wounds, and ills to the Lord — and to trust that He will receive and attend to us as well.

Lord, our God,
you watch over your creatures with unfailing care.
Keep us in the safe embrace of your love.
With your strong right hand raise up (name)
and give them the strength of your own power.
Minister to them and heal their illnesses,
so that they may have from you the help they long for.
We ask this through Christ our Lord.
—From the Order for the Blessing of the Sick

Father in heaven,
grant (name) comfort in her suffering.
When she is afraid, give her courage;
when afflicted, give her patience;
when dejected, afford her hope;
and when alone, assure her of the support of your holy people.
We ask this through Christ our Lord,
Amen.
—Adapted from the Rite of Anointing of the Sick

Lord God,
In the face of illness, we recognize our need.
We need strength, we need peace, and we need You.
Just as Jesus healed those who came to him,
Extend your hand so that (name) will receive your healing power.
I ask this with my whole heart, with trust in You. Amen.

Creators:
Mary Ann Wilson
Published:
March 28, 2024
April 5, 2020
On a related note...
8 Cooking Lessons For Every Beginner

8 Cooking Lessons For Every Beginner

Mike Jordan Laskey

Do You Believe? Exploring the Shroud of Turin

Do You Believe? Exploring the Shroud of Turin

Grotto

What is Ash Wednesday? Catholic Trivia

What is Ash Wednesday? Catholic Trivia

Grotto

I Used a Daily Reflection for a Month — Here's How it Changed Me

I Used a Daily Reflection for a Month — Here's How it Changed Me

Marye Colleen Larme

TFW You Want to Be a Better Person

TFW You Want to Be a Better Person

Emily Bouch

Sister Barbara Visits Death Row

Sister Barbara Visits Death Row

Grotto

This Doctor Is Giving His Community Access to Affordable Health Care

This Doctor Is Giving His Community Access to Affordable Health Care

Grotto

"In the Waters of Lourdes"

"In the Waters of Lourdes"

Josie Kuhlman

3 Ways Backpacking Developed My Interior Life

3 Ways Backpacking Developed My Interior Life

Matthew Flynn

"Dear Heart, a Letter"

"Dear Heart, a Letter"

Maisy Williams

"Ode to Exhaustion"

"Ode to Exhaustion"

Marjorie Maddox

Gossip Isn't Harmless — Here's How to Kick the Habit

Gossip Isn't Harmless — Here's How to Kick the Habit

Maria Walley

Life Lessons From the Band Switchfoot

Life Lessons From the Band Switchfoot

Isaac Huss

“Finding a Home in the Church”

“Finding a Home in the Church”

Sage Webb

From ESPN to Seminary: A Comeback Story

From ESPN to Seminary: A Comeback Story

Grotto

The Magic of Small Lights in the Darkness

The Magic of Small Lights in the Darkness

Katie Ekblad Traver

My Struggle with Porn

My Struggle with Porn

Christine Chu

How I Learned No Experience Is a Waste of Time

How I Learned No Experience Is a Waste of Time

Jessie McCartney

A Guy’s Guide to Thriving in the Era of Social Distance

A Guy’s Guide to Thriving in the Era of Social Distance

Rob Goodale

3 Ways Reading Books Can Change Your Life

3 Ways Reading Books Can Change Your Life

Chris Hazell

newsletter

We’d love to be pals.

Sign up for our newsletter, and we’ll meet you in your inbox each week.