(84.) For Assistance in Time of Danger.

O ALMIGHTY and merciful God, who killest and makest alive; who bringest down to the grave, and bringest up"; and who in time of old didst add unto the days of Hezekiah, even though he were sick unto death, when he turned unto Thee in prayer: Grant, I beseech Thee, through Thine only-begotten Son Jesus Christ, who Himself is the life of all men, that this sick man, who hath faithfully served before Thee in Thy holy Church, may be saved from his danger, and restored by mine aid to his former health; and so may give occasion of praising Thee for ever, for Thine unhoped-for mercy towards him; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen. (133.)

(85.) Another for the same.

O LORD God, who art of infinite wisdom, power, and goodness, and hast taught us by the example of the prophet Danield, that those things which are beyond our skill, and the reach of the human mind, are not always to be neglected, but rather may be made the exercise of faith and prayer; who knowest also that the death of this sick man, whom the art of medicine cannot save,

b 1 Sam. ii. 6.

< Isaiah xxxviii. 1, &c.

d Dan. ii.

will be with great loss to this Church and nation: Have compassion upon me, and so strengthen my hands by Thy word, that through Thee I may be enabled to heal even the sickness which is unto death. Destroy me not, O Lord, with mine iniquities, and bring not the art of healing into shame through me; reserve not, O Lord, Thine anger for me, but according to the multitude of Thy mercies do away mine offences; then with all the company of heaven shall I laud and magnify Thy glorious name; through Jesus Christ, our Lord. Amen. (134.)

(86.) For Help to assuage the Pains of the Dying.

O LORD God, the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, and the God of all comforts: Look down, we beseech Thee, in pity and compassion upon this our brother now lying upon the bed of death; forgive him, O Lord, his sins, and assuage his pain, and grant unto him a happy end of life. Strengthen me also with the spirit of mercy, that I may not regard the words of those who speak evil against me, because I am here in the chamber of death, and mine art is not mighty to save; but grant, O Lord, that I may think only of the sore affliction of this Thy servant, and the sword

e Ps. li. 1.

which pierceth even through his soul. O Lord, our hope is perished, the snares of death compass him round about, and the pains of hell get hold upon him; who am I, Lord, that I should harden my heart against him, and not wish to soften his agony? his sickness indeed it is not mine to cure, yet should I make known all my counsel to his friends, that they may bear his grief and lighten his sorrows. Give me therefore, O Lord, of Thy Spirit, that I may faithfully serve before Thee, and labour earnestly to relieve the sufferings of this dying man; through Him, who died for us and rose again, Thy Son, Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen. (135.)

(87.) For Preparedness for Death.

O LORD Jesu Christ, Son of the living God, who wast crucified for man: I beseech Thee by all that Thou hast suffered for us, that Thou wouldest heal the wounds of my soul, and wouldest keep me now and all the days of my life, from temptation, transgression, and shame; from all adversities which may happen to the body, and from all evil thoughts which may assault and hurt the soul. From sudden and unexpected death, good Lord, deliver both me, and all those also of whose sickness

f Ps. cxvi. 3.

I am taking charge; and grant unto us, O Lord God Almighty, that we may be saved from Thy wrath and condemnation for ever. Give unto me, I pray Thee, a right judgment in all things, that I may both perceive and know what things I ought to do, and also may have grace and power faithfully to perform the same; and teach me, O Lord, to flee from that which is hateful in Thy sight, so that I may not lose the blessed hope of everlasting life. O gracious and merciful Saviour, whose mercy is over all Thy works, by Thy cross and passion, and by Thy bitter death, I beseech Thee that Thou wouldest grant unto us all a holy departure hence in Thy faith and fear, that we may dwell with Thee for ever; who with the Father and the Holy Ghost, livest and reignest, one God, world without end. Amen. (137.)

(88.) For Deliverance from Sudden Death.

ALMIGHTY and merciful God, be favourable and gracious unto Thy people; and lest a sudden destruction come upon us unawares, stretch forth the right hand of Thy majesty to save and defend us in all dangers; and this, O Lord, we beg, in

Ps. cxlv. 9.

G

the name, and for the sake of Jesus Christ, Thy Amen. (138.)

Son.

(89.) For God's Mercy towards the Sick.

ALMIGHTY and merciful Father, who hast compassion upon our afflictions, and didst send Thine only Son into the world to be in all points tempted like as we are, yet without sinh; and in all things to be made like unto His brethren, that He might be a merciful and faithful high priest, to make reconciliation for us, for ever: We Thy children, O Lord, beseech Thee for this our brother, who is even now hard at death's door, that Thou wouldest not impute his unrighteousness unto him; but that Thou wouldest send unto him Thy Holy Ghost to comfort his soul and to strengthen him in faith and patience. And if it seem good unto Thee, O Lord, restore him unto life, by turning his sickness into health, to the glory of Thy name, and the salvation of his soul; through Him, who is not ashamed to call us brethren, and is the great Physician of us all, Thy Son, Jesus Christ, our Lord. Amen. (139.)

h Heb. iv. 15; ii. 17; ii. 11.