About this prayer
This original prayer may be led by a lay person with someone who is ill. It accompanies pastoral care; it is not the sacrament or its formula. The sacrament of Anointing of the Sick is administered by a priest.
Learn more: Prayer background & source ↗
Prayer text
Jesus, healer and companion of the suffering, be close to our brother or sister in illness. Give relief from pain, strength for treatment and peace in moments of fear. Bless those who offer medical care, practical assistance and patient companionship. Help us listen to what the sick person needs and respect their dignity in every decision. If they desire the sacrament of Anointing of the Sick, guide us in contacting a priest and preparing for his visit. May your mercy sustain them and everyone who loves them. Keep us faithful in prayer and generous in care. Amen.
Extended community prayer
The original prayer above is unchanged. This separate community version includes additional intentions and responses. One person leads; everyone joins in the shared parts.
Let us gather in the presence of God, remembering those who pray with us and those who cannot be here. We bring our gratitude, our needs, and our willingness to care for one another.
God of love, unite our hearts in prayer and teach us to serve you together.
Jesus, healer and companion of the suffering, be close to our brother or sister in illness. Give relief from pain, strength for treatment and peace in moments of fear. Bless those who offer medical care, practical assistance and patient companionship. Help us listen to what the sick person needs and respect their dignity in every decision. If they desire the sacrament of Anointing of the Sick, guide us in contacting a priest and preparing for his visit. May your mercy sustain them and everyone who loves them. Keep us faithful in prayer and generous in care. Amen.
Community intentions
For our sick brothers and sisters, grant comfort and the reassurance that illness does not lessen their dignity or belonging.
Lord, hear our prayer, and help us become instruments of your mercy.
For families arranging pastoral care, guide them toward a priest when the sacrament is desired and sustain everyone who accompanies the sick.
Lord, hear our prayer, and help us become instruments of your mercy.
Pause for silent prayer. Intentions may be offered aloud freely; no one is required to share.
For the intentions spoken and those held quietly in our hearts, let us pray to the Lord.
Lord, receive our prayer and sustain us in your love.
Let us entrust ourselves and those for whom we have prayed to the Father.
Merciful Father, receive our prayer through Jesus Christ. Where we can offer help, make us willing; where we must wait, give us patience. Keep us attentive to one another beyond this gathering. May the grace of this prayer take root in our homes, our work, and our choices, so that your love becomes visible through our lives. Amen.