World Day of the Sick

Today is the World Day of the Sick. Click here for Pope Benedict's message for this day. Additionally, the National Association of Catholic Chaplains offers this prayer:

Prayer for the Caregiver

Living and Eternal God,
You tell us in the Psalms that
you are near to the broken-hearted,
and to those crushed in spirit,
you save.

Draw near to those who minister
to your people who are suffering
in body, mind, and spirit
that they may pour out your mercy
upon those whom they serve.

Fill them with your Holy Spirit
that they may go forth
in your strength, your wisdom,
and in your goodness
to do your Holy Will
among those in need of your help.

Revive their spirits, Lord,
when they are discouraged and weary
and allow them to be mindful
of your presence and your faithfulness
in this and every situation.

You use the weak and make them strong
so that they may serve you
with humble hearts.
Allow your servants
the grace to see the face of your Son
in those to whom they minister, and
help them to be ever mindful of his promise
that whatever they do for the least
of your people, they do for him.

We ask this in the Holy Name
of Jesus Christ, Our Lord. Amen