Leader Lord God, who entrusts to us the care of the poor, the sick,
and the dying, guide us in our care for each one. Watch over us so that we
care for them as a mother cares for her beloved children, as a father guides
the faltering steps of his child. Direct our hearts and our hands so that
our actions may be always for their comfort and healing. Wrap each one in
the safe mantle of your love. We ask this in Jesus' name. Amen.
Psalm 16 (Alternate sides recite.)
Keep me O God, for in you I take refuge;
I say to the Lord, "My Lord are you.
Apart from you I have no good."
How wonderfully has he made me cherish
The holy ones who are in his land! . . .
O Lord, my allotted portion and my cup,
You it is who hold fast my lot.
For me the measuring lines have fallen on pleasant sites;
Fair to me indeed is my inheritance.
I bless the Lord who counsels me;
Even in the night my heart exhorts me.
I set the Lord ever before me;
With him at my right hand I shall not be disturbed.
Therefore my heart is glad and my soul rejoices,
My body, too, abides in confidence;
Because you will not abandon my soul to the nether world,
Nor will you suffer your faithful one to undergo corruption.
You will show me the path to life,
Fullness of joys in your presence,
The delights at your right hand forever.
Glory to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Spirit,
As it was in the beginning, is now, and will be forever.
Amen.
Petitions (Pray for those persons you wish to entrust to God's
loving care.)
Closing Prayer (All)
Watch, O Lord, with those who wake, or watch, or weep tonight, and give your
angels charge over those who sleep. Tend your sick ones, O Lord Christ. Rest
your weary ones. Bless your dying ones. Soothe your suffering ones. Pity your
afflicted ones. Shield your joyous ones. And for all your love's sake.
Amen.
— Attributed to St. Augustine
Copyright © 2004 by the Catholic Health Association of the United States
For reprint permission, contact Betty Crosby or call (314) 253-3477.