Prayer for those who are chronically ill

God our Father,

we bring before you today those who suffer

from chronic illness or disability

- those for whom sickness or disability profoundly affects their lives.

When they feel diminished,

remind them that you call them by name and hold them

in the palm of your hand. Is 43:1

When they feel fragile and broken, mould them and heal them,

that they may more closely resemble the image of Jesus,

your Son and our Brother.

When they are reminded

of different times in the past, lead them to grow in the faith

that you love them today, as they are, in the reality of their lives this day.

When they feel uncertain about the future, lead them to that perfect love

which casts out all fear. 1 John 4:18

When situations remind them

- not of what they can do, but of what they cannot do - remind them

that “love never fails”, 1 Cor 13:8

and that, living in your love,

they will bear your fruit in plenty. Jn 15:5.9

May all of us

- whatever our circumstances -

never be so taken up with our own concerns that we do not see or respond to

the needs of others.

May we live with courage the different challenges

that each of us faces. Amen.

Nicholas Hutchinson, FSC: 25 September from ‘Praying Each Day of the Year (Matthew James Publishing)