Prayer for God’s Mercy in Affliction

O Thou all-loving God! whose mercy endureth forever, and whose mercies are new unto us every morning! Behold, sad and sorrowing I come into Thy most holy presence, and pour out the burden of my heart before Thee. Thou knowest the wretched state in which, alas, I lie. My soul is sorrowful, my spirit is troubled, and afflictions without number have compassed me round. I look about for help, and find none. My fellowmen either do not care to help me, or do not know my condition; nor do I care to make it known to them. But to Thee, O God, I come with heart bowed down, and tell my woe, I know that Thou art merciful, and hast compassion upon our infirmities. Thou didst pity the poor widow who wept over her son: Thou didst have compassion on the multitude: and Thy compassion was accompanied with mercy and help. Therefore I come to Thee, and cry. Have mercy upon me.

O God. I am Thy creature: Thou wilt not desert the work of Thy hands. Yea. I am more than Thy creature: I am Thy child, whom, in holy baptism. Thou hast received into the arms of Thy mercy. Therefore I say: my Father, have mercy upon Thy poor forsaken child. My Jesus, I have been purchased with Thy precious blood: I am Thine: therefore Thou wilt have mercy upon Thine own. Thou blessed Holy Spirit, bear witness with my spirit, that amid all my afflictions I am yet a child of God. And if I should grow weary in praying and scarcely be able to pray any more, do Thou speak within me the “Abba. Father.”

Behold I sink; O reach me Thy hand. Lord, help me: Lord, sustain me: Lord, Lord, let Thy goodness be manifested in me, and give me joy of heart. Write upon my heart, yea, speak to me constantly the words: “Thou art not forsaken: I am with thee in trouble. I will deliver thee and honor thee.” O Lord, according to Thy great mercy confirm my faith, sustain me under my afflictions, and give me new strength each day, so that my faith may not cease, my hope may not fail, and my trust in Thee may not grow weak. Thou sayest: “Is Ephraim my dear son? Is he a pleasant child? for since I spake against him I do earnestly remember him still: therefore my bowels are troubled for him; I will surely have mercy upon him, saith the Lord.” Remember me also. Thou hast promised me grace. I too am Thy child; have mercy upon me. Thou hast never yet forsaken me; O forsake me not now. Help Thy child who seeks refuge in Thy mercy alone. Amen.