Prayers

Dear God, I know that it is Your will to help those who are afflicted, to support the weak, to provide for the widows and orphans, and to help those who are in need. Use my hands to be of service to those in need, and use my voice to speak words of healing and encouragement to those who are afflicted and in distress. Thank You for hearing my prayer. Amen.

Mary, Queen of Angels and of men, behold me an unworthy servant and listen to my prayer on behalf of _____ who remains separated from the Church established by thy Divine Son. My Mother, dispensatrix of grace, strip from _____ the bands of prejudice and ignorance that hold him/her captive and let the true light of faith enlighten his/her mind and quicken his/her will. Gently draw him/her, my Mother, into the fold of Christ, that his/her salvation may be better secured and that the Kingdom of God upon earth may grow stronger over the infernal enemy. Amen.

God our Father, your Son accepted our sufferings to teach us the virtue of patience in human illness. Hear the prayers we offer for our sick brother/sister. May all who suffer pain, illness, or disease realize that they have been chosen to be saints and know that they are joined to Christ in his suffering for the salvation of the world. We ask this through Christ our Lord. Amen.

Father in heaven, grant _____ comfort in his/her suffering. Give him/her courage when afraid, patience when afflicted, hope when dejected, and when alone assure him/her of the prayerful support of your holy people. We ask this through Christ our Lord.

O Saint Gerard, who, like the Savior, loved children so tenderly and by your prayers freed many from disease and even from death; graciously look down upon the distressed parents who plead with thee for their child’s health, if such be the Will of God.

Present their promise to God to bring up the child a good Christian and to guard him (her) by word and example against the fatal leprosy of sin. This favor we implore thee, O sainted Brother, through the tender love with which Jesus and Mary blessed thy own innocent childhood. Amen.