Prayer for the Wounded.
Lord God, our Heavenly Father! We implore Thy eternal compassion for all who are this day wounded, suffering, or dying. Be Thou nigh unto them in their affliction. Comfort them with Thy grace and with the hopeful assurance, that, though kindred and friends be far away, Thou art ever present and hearest even the faintest sight of all who seek Thy succor. If it be Thy pleasure, restore to them their former health and vigor. Help them to bear their pains without murmuring against Thy grace. Give them patience and strength and faith in Thee. May they rest assured, that Thou wilt never leave nor forsake them. Deliver them from the assaults of the enemies of their souls. O God and Father in heaven, bless them and all of us, and may we ever seek those things that are acceptable to Thy sight. Forgive us our sins, not because of any merit or worthiness in us, but solely because Thou art merciful for Christ’s sake. And to Thee, the Father, Son, and Holy Ghost, be glory and honor forever. Amen.
Prayers for the Dying.
(St. Paul’s Prayer)
“The time of my departure is at hand. I have fought a good fight, I have finished my course, I have kept the faith: henceforth there is laid up for me a crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous judge, shall give me at that day: not to me only, but to all of them also that love His appearing.” 2 Tim. 4:6-8.
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O Lord, on Thy cross Thou didst cry, “Father, into Thy hands I commend My Spirit!” I, too, commend my spirit into Thy hands now when my end is near. Thou hast redeemed me, O faithful God. Amen.
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Lord Almighty God, Heavenly Father! My time has come to an end, my life is slowly ebbing away. Be Thou with me. O Lord, I suffer much and Thou only canst help me. Be Thou my succor, and shorten and soften my pain. Darkness comes over me and I cry for comfort and strength. Have mercy upon me. Take my soul under Thy protecting wing, that I perish not. Take my sins from me, and blot all my guilt; for Christ’s sake, my Savior and my Lord. Amen.
Abide with me! fast falls the eventide.
The darkness deepens: Lord, with me abide!
When other helpers fail and comforts flee,
Help of the helpless, O abide with me!
Hold Thou Thy cross before my closing eyes,
Shine through the gloom, and point me to the skies:
Heaven’s morning breaks, and earth’s vain shadows flee:
In life, in death, O Lord, abide with me!