Prayers for use in Critical Situations
FOR PEOPLE AGEING
God of the unknown,
as age draws in on us, irresistible as the tide,
make our life’s last quarter the best that there has been.
As our strength ebbs, release our inner vitality,
all you have taught us over the years;
as our energy diminishes
increase our compassion, and educate our prayer.
You have made us human to share your divine life;
grant us the first-fruits;
make our life’s last quarter the best that there has been.
FOR PEOPLE FACING THE LOSS OF A LIMB
OR SERIOUS IMPAIRMENT
God of this uncertain world,
you sent Jesus to bring
comfort and good news to the troubled and the suffering:
Reveal yourself to N, who (the trouble is
described).
Help her/him to come to terms with this misfortune,
and still to hope,
still to search out what there remains to do.
Help her/him to be reconciled.
FOR PEOPLE CRITICALLY ILL,
OR FACING GREAT UNCERTAINTY
God of the present moment,
God who in Jesus stills the storm
and soothes the frantic heart;
bring hope and courage to N
as s/he/they
wait/s in uncertainty.
Bring hope that you will make her/him/them the equal
of whatever lies ahead.
Bring her/him/them courage to endure what cannot be avoided,
for your will is health and wholeness;
you are God, and we need you.
FOR PEOPLE WATCHING AT A DEATH
God of the dark night,
you were with Jesus praying in the garden,
you were with Jesus all the way to the cross
and through to the resurrection.
Help us to recognise you now, as we watch with N,
and wait for what must happen;
help us through any bitterness and despair,
help us accept our distress,
help us to remember that you care for us
and that in your will is our peace.
FOR PEOPLE IN SEVERE PAIN
Jesus, you knew pain,
you knew the loneliness, the weakness
and the degradation it brings;
you knew the agony.
Jesus, your suffering is the only hope,
the only reconciliation for those who suffer.
Be with N as s/he grapples with the pain s/he suffers now.
Be a promise to him/her
that this present suffering will cease;
be the hand that s/he can hold;
be present, Saviour, for we need you now.
FOR PEOPLE DYING
God our creator and our end,
give us grace to bear bravely
the changes we must undergo,
the pain we may have to face
to come to our home with you.
Give us the courage to welcome
that unimaginable moment awaiting us;
give us trust and confidence;
and at the last give us peace.