89

A PRAYER FOR THE USE OF ONE WHO IS SICK.

O Almighty God, with whom are the issues of life and of death, who hast power to kill and to make alive, look down, I beseech thee, in pity upon me, thy unworthy servant, who am now suffering with bodily pains, and anguish of mind.

I confess, O Lord, that my grievous sins and iniquities have brought me to this state of sickness, and that the greatest torment, I could suffer, would not be too great for what I deserve; yet, gracious Father of mercies, have compassion upon me, a most miserable sinner, for Jesus Christ's sake. Bless the means made use of for my recovery; for without thy blessing the best of medicine, must be useless. Without thy blessing vain is the help of man.

And while my body is suffering under sickness, may this affliction be the means of bringing health to my soul. May I consider it as proceeding from thee, and rightly understand the language which it speaks. May I hear thee, calling upon me, to think of my mortality, to think of death and of judgment, to consider my ways, to repent of my sins, and to flee from the wrath to come through Jesus Christ. Give me grace, O Lord, to obey the heavenly warning, and strength and power from on high, to bring into effect my resolutions of amendment. Give me sincere repentance and true faith, and fill my soul with godly sorrow and deep conviction of sin. Blot out mine iniquities, O Lord, and cleanse me by thy Spirit.

Make me O Lord, resigned to thy will, and patient under my sufferings, and, if it shall please thee to restore me to health and strength, may I devote the remainder of my days to thy service and glory, and when the pains of this mortal life are ended, receive me into the mansions of everlasting happiness and glory, through the merits and mediation of Jesus Christ, our blessed Lord and Saviour. Amen.

Our Father, &c.

The grace of our Lord, &c.

N

90

A PRAYER FOR THE USE OF ONE WHO HAS RECOVERED FROM SICKNESS.

Blessed be the Lord, who liveth for ever, and blessed be his goodness. He chasteneth, yet he remembereth mercy. He bringeth down and he raiseth up. Enable me, O Lord, rightly to feel thy loving kindness, and gracious dealings towards me, for thou hast laid me on the bed of sickness and pain, and restored me to health and strength. I was brought near to the borders of the grave, and thou hast in goodness snatched me from the jaws of death, and given me more time for repentance.

Pour down upon me Gracious Lord, thy grace, that I may bring into good effect, the resolutions of newness of life and change of conduct, which I made during the hour of anguish and pain; now that sickness has left me, and thou hast heard my prayers for my recovery, let me not forget the hand that has healed me; but let me shew my gratitude for thy abundant mercies, by leading a life of devotedness to thy service. Enable me by thy Holy Spirit to renounce henceforth the practice of every evil way, and to resist the temptations of the world, the flesh, and the devil. Make me more anxious for the salvation of my soul, and earnest in my endeavours, by thy grace to love and please thee.

May I henceforth pay willing obedience to the laws of the land, to my earthly master, and to thee, my heavenly father; grant me grace for the time to come to discharge faithfully my duty; that whenever it shall please thee to call me out of this sinful world, I may be prepared to obey the summons, and to yield up my spirit into the hands of thee who gave in a joyful hope of the resurrection to eternal life, through Jesus Christ, our Lord. Amen.

Our Father, &c.

The grace of our Lord, &c.

it,

THE END.

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