Short prayers for the hours nobody plans for: illness, fear, and the end.
Four short prayers for sickness, sudden trouble, the dying, and the dead.
When: In a waiting room, at a bedside, after a phone call that changes the week.
Why: In an emergency nobody composes anything. The Church keeps short prayers ready so a person only has to say them.
In time of trouble. O God, our refuge and our strength, look with mercy on your people who cry to you. By the intercession of the Blessed Virgin Mary, of Saint Joseph her spouse, and of all the saints, hear the prayers we pour out for the conversion of sinners and for the freedom and exaltation of your holy Church, through Christ our Lord. Amen.
For the sick. Lord Jesus Christ, you bore our infirmities and carried our sorrows. Look with kindness on your servant who is ill. Give strength to the body, patience to the soul, and skill to those who care for them. If it be your will, restore health, and in every case grant peace. Amen.
For a happy death. O Jesus, while I adore your dying breath, I beg you to receive mine. Since I do not know whether I shall have the use of my senses when I depart from this world, I offer you even now my agony and all the pains of my passing. You are my Father and my Savior, and I give my soul into your hands. Jesus, Mary, and Joseph, assist me in my last agony. Amen.
For the dead. Eternal rest grant unto them, O Lord, and let perpetual light shine upon them. May they rest in peace. Amen.