Day one

Day One: Praying for those who are suffering at this time  
The grace and peace of God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ be with you!  
These are trying and anxious times when we find ourselves confronted with the reality that sickness will affect us all at some point during our lives.  Jesus took on our human flesh and our frailty. He knows what it is to suffer and is with us in our suffering. He is compassionate. That’s why they brought those who were sick to him as we hear in the Gospel of Mark:  
That evening, at sunset, they brought to him all who were sick or possessed with demons. And the whole city was gathered around the door. (Mark 1: 32-33)  
Take a moment now to sit with our compassionate Jesus: the Jesus who is with you. As St Augustine said, he is closer to us than we are even to ourselves. For a moment thank him for being present …. Now in a moment of silence, ask Him to be with those who are sick ….  their loved ones …. and all those who are caring for them ….  
Do you know someone or have you heard of someone who is seriously ill at this time? Hold them in your thoughts now… pray for healing for them, in body and soul, and for strength and courage.
Remember all those members of our global family who are unwell.  We have a God who knows each and every one of them and we entrust them to his care …. 
Let’s spend a moment praying for those who have died … We pray as well for their family and friends during this painful time …. May they rest in peace. Amen.  
Here are some words about our God of compassion from Psalm 144:   
The Lord is kind and full of compassion,
slow to anger, abounding in love.
How good is the Lord to all,
compassionate to all his creatures. 
 
The Lord is faithful in all his words
and loving in all his deeds.
The Lord supports all who fall
and raises all who are bowed down.
 
The Lord is just in all his ways
and loving in all his deeds.
He is close to all who call him,
who call on him from their hearts
 
Let us conclude by saying together …. Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit as it was in the beginning, is now and ever shall be, world without end, Amen.

Day 1: Praying for those who are suffering
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