For a Person in Acute Bodily Pain

THOU knowest, O Lord, this body of ours. Thou knowest how susceptible it is to misery and discomfort, how along its nerves shoots the thrill of an intolerable agony. Therefore do we beseech Thee for him who asks our prayers that Thou wouldst have pity upon him. Lord, have mercy upon him and help him. We know that Thou canst, and that Thou art more ready to have compassion than we are to ask it of Thee. Grant him such a sense of Thy indwelling presence that he may commit himself wholly to Thy care, so that through his faith in Thee, Thou mayst give to him surcease of pain and the glad consciousness of health. Bless Thy minister, the physician who seeks to help the ailing body. Give him clearness of mind and skilfulness of touch and tenderness of heart, so that he may become the organ of Thy healing mercy, and enabled to relieve the suffering, and bring peace and strength to the exhausted frame. If for a time the pain mustcontinue, give Thy servant grace to endure it. Let him think of the Divine Sufferer, who in meekness and submission endured the Cross, and despised the shame. Upheld by His example may he conquer pain and rise out of it purified and strengthened and made more meet for Thy service, through Jesus Christ. Amen.