Prayers
There is no one who in the course of a lifetime has not had to face some form of illness.
Illness is inevitably linked to the human condition.
No organism is perfectly healthy.
'Health' itself is never more than a balance between the forces of life and other forces that oppose them.
Christians with strong faith should seek ultimate healing from diseases in
Jesus Christ
who is the Source of all healing.
Lord, Jesus Christ, Son of God, have mercy on me, a sinner.
Lord Jesus Christ, Son of God, bless, sanctify and protect me by the power of Thy life-giving Cross.
Orthodox Prayers in Times of Sickness
Prayers of Thanksgiving, Protection, Deliverance
O Lord grant that I may meet all that this coming day brings to me with spiritual tranquility. Grant that I may fully surrender myself to Thy Holy Will. At every hour of this day direct and support me in all things. Whatever news may reach me in the course of this day, teach me to accept it with a calm soul and with the firm conviction that all is subject to Thy Holy Will. Guide my thoughts and feelings in all my words and actions. In all unexpected occurrences let me not forget that all is sent down from Thee. Grant me to deal in a straightforward and wise manner with every member of my family, neither embarrassing nor saddening anyone. Lord, grant me strength to endure the fatigue of the coming day, and all the events that will take place during it. Guide my will and teach me to pray, to believe, to hope, to be patient, to forgive and to love. Prayer of the Optina Elders
Prayer to Saint Michael the Archangel - Holy Archangel of God, Michael, with your lightning fast sword, drive away from us the evil spirit that tempts us. O great Archangel of God, Michael, victor over the demons, conquer and put down all enemies visible and invisible and pray to the All Sovereign Lord that He save us from sorrows and all sicknesses, from death-bearing plagues and from sudden death, now and forever, and to the ages of ages. Amern.
Canon for the Sick - Sessional Hymn, Tone 8 I lie on a bed of sinfulness, wounded by the passions. But as Thou didst raise Peter's mother-in-law and save the paralytic who was carried about with his bed, so do Thou now also visit mine infirmity, O Merciful One Who didst bear the infirmities of our race. Thee alone we know to be patient and compassionate, a merciful Physician of souls and bodies, Christ our God, Who sendest sickness and again healing, Who grantest forgiveness unto them that repent of their sins, and Who alone art merciful and compassionate.
I, a sinner, lie weeping upon my bed. Grant me pardon, O Christ God, raise me up from this sickness, and free me from the sins which I have committed from my youth. Through the prayers of the Mother of God grant these petitions.
Take pity and save me, raise me up from my sick-bed; for my strength within me hath failed, and I am entirely possessed by desperation. O Christ God, heal me who am grievously ill, for Thou are the Divine Physician of body and soul.
I Have Found a Physician - Prayer of St. Ambrose - Attributed to St. Matthew at his conversion.
Thee alone I follow, Lord Jesus, Who heals my wounds. For what shall separate me from the love of God, which is in Thee? Shall tribulation, or distress or famine? I am held fast as though by nails and fettered by the bonds of charity. Remove from me, O Lord Jesus, with Thy potent sword, the corruption of my sins. Secure me in the bonds of Thy love, cut away what is corrupt in me. Come quickly and make an end of my many hidden and secret afflictions and vices. Open the wound, lest the evil humor, the infection spread. With Thy new washing, cleanse in me all that is stained. Hear me, you earthly men, who in your sins bring forth drunken thoughts:
I have found a Physician.
He dwells in heaven and distributes His healing on earth. He alone can heal my pains Who Himself has none. He alone Who knows what is hidden can take away the grief of my heart, the fear of my soul - Jesus Christ.
Christ is Grace!
Christ is Life!
Christ is Resurrection!
Your wounds do not surpass the Physician's skill.
Have faith, tell the Physician what ails you. - Saint Cyril of Jerusalem
Quotes