Monday, May 23, 2016

Litany of Compassion for the Sick, by Father Peter John Cameron

Response after each sentence:  LORD, be close to give Your comfort.

When pain or distress is overwhelming

When the healing process goes slower than hoped

When terrified of treatments or therapy

When it's hard to let go of long-held plans

When the feeling of alienation arises

When worn out or weary

When troubled by impatience and negativity

When loneliness leads to anxiety

When sickness makes it difficult to communicate

When discouragement or despondency sets in 

When fear makes it impossible to face the future

When the ravages of disease attack self-esteem

When anger & resentment assail

When beset by worry or fretfulness

When it's hard to rely on others for care

When envy arises toward those who are healthy

When pessimism or cynicism holds sway

When anguish is intensified by the need for reconciliation

When sickness is mistaken for punishment

When loved ones are far away

When sickness causes financial hardship that leads to worry or despair

When afflicted by the feeling of nothing to hope for

When weakness makes it impossible even to think

When friends draw back fearful of disease

When illness makes those who are suffering moody or irritable

When haunted by regret and the shame of past sins

When its difficult to sleep

When there's loss of appetite

When there's resistance to necessary change

 When tempted by denial

When nobody seems to understand

When bound to home or restricted in movement

When listlessness and apathy threaten

When medication seems to make things worse

When all that's needed is a caring touch

When it's impossible to maintain familiar routines

When it's hard to find the strength to go on

When it becomes difficult to pray

When suffering of any sort becomes hard to bear

When death draws near

Most merciful Father, your beloved Son showed special compassion to lepers, tenderness to those long sick, and healing to the infirm laid before him.  We place before you all those who are ill and in need of healing grace.  May the love and mercy of the Divine Physician raise up all who suffer from sickness and restore them to health and peace.  We ask this in the name of Jesus.  Amen.

1 comment:

  1. jeanne, i don't think i have ever told you, that i do not believe in organized religion. i am a christian, a good person, with a strong moral fiber. i have different beliefs than many, i am just happy to consider myself a good person.

    i am sure this brought you comfort!!!!

    ReplyDelete