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Belated Readings for July 2005

A Litany of Healing
Let us name before God those for whom we offer our prayers.

The People audibly name those for whom they are interceding.
A Person appointed then leads the Litany

God the Father, your will for all people is health and salvation;
We praise you and thank you, O Lord.
God the Son, you came that we might have life, and might have it more abundantly;
We praise you and thank you, O Lord.
God the Holy Spirit, you make our bodies the temple of your presence;
We praise you and thank you, O Lord.
Holy Trinity, one God, in you we live and move and have our being;
We praise you and thank you, O Lord.
Lord, grant your healing grace to all who are sick, injured, or disabled, that they may be made whole;
Hear us, O Lord of life.
Grant to all who seek your guidance, and to all who are lonely, anxious, or despondent, a knowledge of your will and an awareness of your presence;
Hear us, O Lord of life.
Mend broken relationships, and restore those in emotional distress to soundness of mind and serenity of spirit;
Hear us, O Lord of life.
Bless physicians, nurses, and all others who minister to the suffering, granting them wisdom and skill, sympathy and patience;
Hear us, O Lord of life.
Grant to the dying peace and a holy death, and uphold by the grace and consolation of your Holy Spirit those who are bereaved;
Hear us, O Lord of life.
Restore to wholeness whatever is broken by human sin, in our lives, in our nation, and in the world;
Hear us, O Lord of life.
You are the Lord who does wonders:
You have declared your power among the peoples.
With you, O Lord, is the well of life:
And in your light we see light.
Hear us, O Lord of life:
Heal us, and make us whole.

Let us pray.
A period of silence follows.

Almighty God, giver of life and health: Send your blessing on all who are sick, and upon those who minister to them, that all weakness may be vanquished by the triumph of the risen Christ; who lives and reigns for ever and ever. Amen.

readings for may/june 2005

Mark 1:29-42 (the message)
29Directly on leaving the meeting place, they came to Simon and Andrew's house, accompanied by James and John. 30Simon's mother-in-law was sick in bed, burning up with fever. They told Jesus. 31He went to her, took her hand, and raised her up. No sooner had the fever left than she was up fixing dinner for them.
32That evening, after the sun was down, they brought sick and evil-afflicted people to him, 33the whole city lined up at his door! 34He cured their sick bodies and tormented spirits. Because the demons knew his true identity, he didn't let them say a word.

35While it was still night, way before dawn, he got up and went out to a secluded spot and prayed. 36Simon and those with him went looking for him. 37They found him and said, "Everybody's looking for you."
38Jesus said, "Let's go to the rest of the villages so I can preach there also. This is why I've come." 39He went to their meeting places all through Galilee, preaching and throwing out the demons.
40A leper came to him, begging on his knees, "If you want to, you can cleanse me."
41Deeply moved, Jesus put out his hand, touched him, and said, "I want to. Be clean." 42Then and there the leprosy was gone, his skin smooth and healthy.

A Prayer for a Visit with Someone Who is Sick (EOW2, p. 64)
Gentle Jesus, though we are not worthy to have you come under our roof, you are God's word of healing to us. Be with us now, that we may know your presence in one another and rise up in joy to greet you. Grant this for your love's sake. Amen.

A Prayer for Those Who are Sick and Those Who Minister to Them (EOW2, p. 94)
Gracious God, source of life and health: Jesus came to our disordered world to make your people whole. Send your Spirit on those who are sick and all who minister to them; that when the sick enter your peace, they may offer thanks to your Great Name; through Jesus Christ our Savior. Amen.