Evening Prayer in Sickness

O merciful God, I have lived through another day. Lord, Lord, in Thy goodness Thou hast spared ray life till this hour. And I give Thee praise and thanks for Thy fatherly faithfulness. Especially do I praise Thy name, because Thou hast helped me to bear my pain and sickness today. Blessed be the Lord, who daily beareth our burdens, even the God who is our salvation. He that is our God is the God of salvation; and unto God the Lord belong the issues from death. Though the Lord cause grief, yet will He have compassion according to the multitude of His mercies. For Thou, Lord, art good, and ready to forgive; and plenteous in mercy unto all them that call upon Thee. Thou deliverest the needy when he crieth, and hidest not Thyself from his supplications.

O mighty God! The day is far spent, the night is at hand. Therefore I turn to Thee in prayer, and say: My father, abide with me, and leave me not this night. Command Thy angel to come and guard me, who am Thine own, against the assaults of Satan. Ward off from me this night all sudden and dangerous attacks, soothe my pain and guard me against fright, anxiety, and misfortune. O heavenly Father, remain with me, Thy sick child; for if Thou, gracious God, art present, I shall not be afraid. The Lord is my light and my salvation, whom shall I fear? The Lord is the strength of my life, of whom shall I be afraid?

O Jesus, the sun is about to set and disappear from sight; but do Thou, the Sun of Righteousness, continue to shine upon me. O my Saviour, fold me this night in Thy arms. Let Thy left hand be my pillow, Thy right hand my covering. Grant that I may sleep in Thee, and, even in sleep, dwell upon Thy blood which was shed for me and Thy wounds which were endured for me. Let me find in them comfort, forgiveness, and strengthening of soul. O blessed Holy Spirit! My fellow-men, with but few exceptions, now leave me; but do Thou, O Comforter of the sorrowing and Helper of the needy, remain with me. Strengthen me and keep me in true faith and Christian patience.

Holy Trinity, take me under Thy guardian care. The Lord bless me and keep me; the Lord make His face shine upon me and be gracious unto me; the Lord lift up His countenance upon me, and give me peace. Amen.