Extracts from A Prayer Book for Australia
Ministry with the Sick
Sickness is a reality of human life. Modern medicine is a gift of God which has alleviated much suffering, and greatly facilitated human health. The healing and saving work of God continues in many ways, is seen most clearly in the ministry of Jesus, and looks for its fulfilment in the kingdom of God. Pastoral care as a ministry of the gospel of Christ occurs whenever the love of God sustains and renews people experiencing particular needs and stresses.
Ministry with the sick draws together the resources of human compassion and skill, as signs of divine grace, and the promises of God. Of first importance in this ministry is the relationship between those in need and those who care for them. It is a mutual relationship, in which vulnerable people minister to one another in and through the grace of Christ. Those who minister in Jesus’ name bear particular responsibility both to be sensitive to each situation, and also to accept the responsibilities placed on them as ambassadors of Christ to those in need.
1The priest may greet those gathered.
The grace of the Lord Jesus Christ, and the love of God, and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit, be with you.
And also with you.
or
The Lord be with you.
And also with you.
2One or more of these or other suitable Sentences of Scripture may be read.
O praise the Lord with me: let us exalt his name together, for I sought the Lord’s help and he answered: and freed me from all my fears.
Psalm 34.3–4
They asked only to touch the hem of Jesus’ garment, and all who touched him were healed.
Mark 6.56
When the sun was setting, all those who had any that were sick with various diseases brought them to Jesus; and he laid his hands on every one of them and healed them.
Luke 4.40
3This Prayer of Preparation may be said.
Almighty God,
to whom all hearts are open,
all desires known,
and from whom no secrets are hidden:
cleanse the thoughts of our hearts
by the inspiration of your Holy Spirit,
that we may perfectly love you,
and worthily magnify your holy name,
through Christ our Lord. Amen.
4This prayer is said.
God of grace, power, and mercy;
look on your servant N with compassion,
give him/her courage and complete confidence
in your protection,
and keep him/her in peace,
through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
5Readings from the Bible
Have you not known? Have you not heard?
The Lord is the everlasting God,
the Creator of the ends of the earth.
He does not faint or grow weary;
his understanding is unsearchable.
He gives power to the faint,
and strengthens the powerless.
Even youths will faint and be weary,
and the young will fall exhausted;
but those who wait for the Lord
will renew their strength,
they shall mount up with wings like eagles,
they shall run and not be weary,
they shall walk and not faint.
Isaiah 40.28–31
Since, then, we have a great high priest who has passed through the heavens, Jesus, the Son of God, let us hold fast to our confession. For we do not have a high priest who is unable to sympathise with our weaknesses, but we have one who in every respect has been tested as we are, yet without sin. Let us therefore approach the throne of grace with boldness, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help in time of need.
Hebrews 4.14–16
If you abide in me, and my words abide in you, ask for whatever you wish, and it will be done for you. My Father is glorified in this, that you bear much fruit and become my disciples. As the Father has loved me, so I have loved you; abide in my love. If you keep my commandments, you will abide in my love, just as I have kept my Father’s commandments and abide in his love. I have said these things to you so that my joy may be in you, and that your joy may be complete.
John 15.7–11
A time for reflection may follow.
6Prayers may be offered for the sick person, and for family, friends and carers.
They may follow this form and/or one or more of the prayers on pages 689–92 may be used.
Let us pray.
Lord Jesus, receive the prayers we offer.
You bore our weaknesses and carried our sorrows.
Lord have mercy,
Lord have mercy.
You felt compassion for the people, and went among them doing good.
Christ have mercy,
Christ have mercy.
You commanded your apostles to heal the sick in your name.
Lord have mercy,
Lord have mercy.
Lord have mercy on us now,
and help us in our time of need.
Then shall follow the Lord’s Prayer in the traditional form or in these words.
Our Father in heaven,
hallowed be your name,
your kingdom come,
your will be done,
on earth as in heaven.
Give us today our daily bread.
Forgive us our sins
as we forgive those who sin against us.
Save us from the time of trial
and deliver us from evil.
For the kingdom, the power, and the glory are yours
now and for ever. Amen.
7Confession and Absolution
In penitence and faith, let us confess our sins.
Merciful God,
our maker and our judge,
we have sinned against you in thought, word, and deed,
and in what we have failed to do:
we have not loved you with our whole heart;
we have not loved our neighbours as ourselves;
we repent, and are sorry for all our sins.
Father, forgive us.
Strengthen us to love and obey you in newness of life;
through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
The priest says
Almighty God,
who has promised forgiveness to all who turn to him in faith:
pardon you and set you free from all your sins,
strengthen you in all goodness
and keep you in eternal life,
through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
or, the minister may say
The Lord forgives all your sin, and heals all your infirmities.
Psalm 103.3
ANOINTING AND LAYING ON OF HANDS
8If it has not been used previously, this reading is used.
Are any among you sick? They should call for the elders of the church and have them pray over them, anointing them with oil in the name of the Lord. The prayer of faith will save the sick, and the Lord will raise them up; and anyone who has committed sins will be forgiven. Therefore confess your sins to one another, and pray for one another, so that you may be healed.
James 5.14–16
9The minister says
Almighty God,
in your word we are encouraged to pray for the sick
and anoint them with oil.
Grant that N who is anointed with this oil
may be strengthened by your Holy Spirit,
healed and restored, according to your good purposes;
through Jesus Christ our Saviour. Amen.
10The minister anoints the sick person, saying
N, I anoint you in the name of the Lord Jesus. Amen.
or
In the faith of Jesus Christ, I anoint you in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit.
11The minister lays hands on the sick person. Those present may join in the laying on of hands.
The minister says these or similar words
Laying hands on you in the name of Jesus Christ, we pray for healing.
Prayers may be offered.
12The minister says
God, the source of life and health,
grant you release from pain,
refreshment of spirit,
and wholeness in body and mind. Amen.
13The sick person may return thanks using his or her own words, or the following prayer.
Lord Jesus, your love never fails.
Thank you for this assurance
that your hands are stretched out to me,
to forgive, to strengthen, and to heal. Amen.
14The minister may say
Lord Jesus, stand beside us in our need and bring your healing love. Grant that we may know your presence as we break bread together. Give us your peace. Amen.
15The priest takes the bread and wine for the communion and says this or another authorised Prayer of Thanksgiving and Consecration.
[The Lord be with you.
And also with you.]
Lift up your hearts.
We lift them to the Lord.
Let us give thanks to the Lord our God.
It is right to give our thanks and praise.
[All thanks and praise to you, loving Father,
for sending your only Son to be our Saviour.
He took upon himself our human nature,
shared our joy and our tears,
bore all our sickness,
and carried all our sorrows.
He brought us through death,
to the life of his glorious resurrection,
giving for our frailty eternal strength,
and restoring in us your perfect image.
Therefore with saints and angels,
and with all the company of heaven,
we praise you saying,
Holy, holy, holy Lord, God of power and might,
Heaven and earth are full of your glory.
Hosanna in the highest.]
[Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord.
Hosanna in the highest.]
Merciful God, we thank you
for these gifts of your creation,
this bread and wine,
and we pray that by your Word and Holy Spirit,
we who eat and drink them
may be partakers of Christ’s body and blood.
On the night he was betrayed Jesus took bread;
and when he had given you thanks
he broke it, and gave it to his disciples, saying,
‘Take, eat. This is my body given for you.
Do this in remembrance of me.’
After supper, he took the cup,
and again giving you thanks
he gave it to his disciples, saying,
‘Drink from this, all of you.
This is my blood of the new covenant
shed for you and for many
for the forgiveness of sins.
Do this, as often as you drink it, in remembrance of me.’
Christ has died.
Christ is risen.
Christ will come again.
With this bread and this cup,
we remember the saving death of your Son,
his resurrection and ascension,
and his promise to be with us for ever.
In the power of the Holy Spirit,
bring us to eternal life with Christ,
as we look for his coming in glory,
and for the heavenly banquet
prepared for all your people.
Blessing and honour and glory and power
are yours for ever and ever. Amen.
THE BREAKING OF THE BREAD AND COMMUNION
16The priest breaks the bread. One of the following may be said.
[We break this bread to share in the body of Christ.]
We who are many are one body,
for we all share in the one bread.
or
As this broken bread was once many grains,
which have been gathered together and made one bread:
so may your Church be gathered
from the ends of the earth into your kingdom.
17The priest and other communicants receive the Holy Communion.
The sacrament is given with the following words.
The body of our Lord Jesus Christ, which was given for you, preserve your body and soul to everlasting life. Take and eat this in remembrance that Christ died for you, and feed on him in your heart by faith with thanksgiving.
and
The blood of our Lord Jesus Christ, which was shed for you, preserve your body and soul to everlasting life. Drink this in remembrance that Christ’s blood was shed for you, and be thankful.
or, the priest says
[The gifts of God for the people of God.]
Come let us take this holy sacrament of the body and blood of Christ in remembrance that he died for us, and feed on him in our hearts by faith with thanksgiving.
The sacrament is given with the following words, after which the communicant responds Amen.
The body of Christ [the bread of heaven] keep you in eternal life. Amen.
The blood of Christ [the cup of salvation] keep you in eternal life. Amen.
18One of these sentences from Scripture may be read.
I have made the Lord God my refuge, and I will tell of all that you have done.
Psalm 73.28
God will cover you with his wings, his faithfulness will be your shield and defence.
Psalm 91.4
19The priest may say
Father of all mercies,
for your gifts of healing and forgiveness,
for grace to love and care for one another,
for your hidden blessings,
and for all you have in store for us,
we give you thanks,
through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
20The priest may say this or another blessing.
The Almighty God,
who is a most strong tower to all that put their trust in him,
and to whom all things in heaven and earth do bow and obey;
be now and always your defence,
and make you know and feel that there is no other name
in whom you may receive health and salvation,
but only the name of our Lord Jesus Christ;
and the blessing of God almighty, the Father, the Son,
and the Holy Spirit, be upon you and remain with you always. Amen.
or
The peace of God which passes all understanding keep your hearts and minds in the knowledge and love of God, and of his Son, Jesus Christ our Lord;
and the blessing of God almighty, the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit, be upon you and remain with you always. Amen.
a For healing
God of grace and comfort
enfold N with your mercy.
Strengthen him with the shield of faith,
and enable him to accept what is to come;
heal him and bear his pain,
keep him in peace, and fix his heart on you;
through Jesus Christ our Saviour. Amen.
Lord Jesus Christ,
Son of the living and life-giving God,
you vanquished the powers of evil
and healed those who were sick;
send your Holy Spirit on our sister N,
restore her to health
and confirm her trust in you,
through your all-powerful name. Amen.
Almighty God, giver of life and health,
hear our prayers for N,
that by your blessing on him and those who minister to him,
he may be restored to health of body and mind
according to your will,
and in the presence of your people give thanks to you;
through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
Lord and heavenly Father,
you strengthen those who suffer in body, mind and spirit;
lay your healing hands on N,
that she may be restored to health,
and show her thankfulness with us
and be set free to serve you;
through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
b For healing for a child
Lord Jesus,
you took children in your arms and blessed them:
bless this child N
and hold him in your love.
Make him well
and fill him with your peace;
for your name’s sake. Amen.
c Thanksgiving for healing
God of steadfast love,
your mercies are new every day:
we thank you for healing N.
We give you thanks for the love of family and friends,
for the prayers of your people,
and for those who have ministered our healing.
Accept our thanks, through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
d For those experiencing guilt and anxiety
God of all comfort:
quieten our minds
that we may make room for your healing forgiveness;
through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
God of love and wisdom,
you know all our anxieties and fears:
grant that N may cast all her care on you,
knowing that you care for her.
Give her quietness of mind,
an unshaken trust in you,
and keep her in your perfect peace;
through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
e For one facing an operation
God of compassion and mercy,
you never fail to help and comfort those who seek your aid;
give strength and peace to this your son/daughter.
and enable him to know that you are near.
Give wisdom and care to those who minister to him
especially…;
grant that he may have no fear
since you are with him;
through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
f For one recovering from an operation
Almighty God,
source of all life and health:
we give you thanks for human knowledge and medical skills,
for nurses and doctors,
and all those whose hands have brought the gift of healing.
Continue to make N whole in body, mind and spirit;
through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
g For one with a life-threatening illness
God our refuge,
when human resources fail,
you alone remain our sure hope and defence.
In the knowledge of your love, grant us courage.
We place ourselves in your hands,
confident that nothing can separate us from your love,
in Christ Jesus our Lord. Amen.
h For those suffering from the process of ageing
Eternal God,
whose years extend through all generations:
we have but a short span of life
and we wear out as a garment:
strengthen us and revive us
by the power of your Spirit,
grant to us the joy of your presence,
and be with us in the time of old age and infirmity;
through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
i For the aged
O Lord God, look with mercy on all for whom increasing years
bring isolation and distress.
Give them understanding helpers and the willingness to accept help;
and as their strength diminishes, increase their faith
and their assurance of your love.
We pray in the name of Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
j A prayer in doubt and tested faith
Almighty God our heavenly Father,
what you ask us to bear at times we find hard to understand.
Sometimes we feel angry and confused,
when your care and purpose seem distant,
and we fear that in our faith we have been deceived.
Yet we believe that you are still our heavenly Father,
and we long to know that your love has not lost control.
Strengthen our faith and assure us of your gracious compassion;
through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
k Prayer for those suffering severe illness
Healing Spirit,
we pray for those suffering from serious diseases
and for those who are terminally ill,
and those living with HIV/AIDS.
We pray for skill and patience for the doctors and nurses
who care for them.
We pray that their relatives and friends
may be strengthened and comforted.
May their faith not falter
as they support each other through testing times.
We pray for those engaged in research
that by your inspiration and their skill
the scourges of this generation may be overcome.
Help us to live in your way
and to seek healing in body, mind and spirit. Amen
Notes
1 Other suitable readings include:
Proverbs 3.11–26 The Lord will be your confidence
Isaiah 55.6–11 Seek the Lord while he may be found
Lamentations 3.22–26 Wait quietly for the salvation of the Lord
Habakkuk 2.20—3.4 The glory of God
Psalm 23 The Lord is my shepherd
Psalm 33.13–21 The eye of the Lord is on those that fear him
Psalm 46 Be still and know that I am God
Psalm 103.1–14 The Lord heals all your infirmities
Psalm 130 Out of the depths have I called to you
Psalm 131 I have calmed and quieted my soul
Psalm 145 I will exalt you, O God my king
Romans 5.6–11 While we were yet sinners Christ died for us
Romans 8.31–39 If God is for us, who is against us?
1 Corinthians 13 Love, the greatest gift
Philippians 4.4–7 Rejoice in the Lord always
James 5.14–16 Ministry with the sick
1 John 3.18–24 We know that God abides in us
Matthew 5.1–12 The Beatitudes
Mark 10.46–52 Your faith has made you well
Luke 10.38–42 Martha and Mary
John 6.47–58 The bread of life
John 14.1–3 I go to prepare a place for you
2 The Holy Communion may be celebrated with a sick person individually, when it is not possible for him or her to take part in its administration in the congregation. There should normally be at least two or three others to join with the minister and sick person. Where it is difficult for others to be present, or when the sick person requests it, the minister alone may communicate with him or her.
3 The Holy Communion may be celebrated with the sick person using any authorised form. Where the form included here is used, ¶ 1–7, 15–20 should normally be included. In cases of extreme illness, the priest may exercise discretion concerning abbreviation or omissions, providing that the Lord’s Prayer, and ¶ 15, 17 and 20 are always used.
4 The minister may use discretion about the manner in which the bread and wine are administered. If for good reason it is not possible for the sick person to receive the sacrament, the minister shall give assurance that all who repent of their sins, trust in Christ, and celebrate his saving work with grateful thanks, truly eat and drink the body and blood of Christ, even though the bread may not have been eaten, or the wine drunk.
5 For anointing and laying on of hands, at least ¶ 1 and 8–13 are used.