Oh Healer and Restorer of life, we are weary
You have called us into work that, at times, feels like more than we can bear
We have sat at bedsides and breakfast tables, in hospital rooms and clinics
Witnessing the persistent cycle of sickness and healing
Only to come home exhausted and discouraged
God of Jacob, cast Your gaze upon us
You promised that when we pass through the waters, You will be with us
And though the rivers rage, they will not overwhelm us
And though we walk through fire, we will not be burned
But we have only so much energy
Only so much compassion
Only so much endurance
To carry on in our own strength
Therefore, God of all comfort, turn and be gracious to us, for we cry to You and only You
Refuge and Strength, renew our trust in You until we mount up with wings like eagles
When we are empty, would You lead us to Your wellspring of living water
When we are hopeless, would You lift up our eyes to see the unseen
When we are lonely, would You give us life-giving communities to remind us that we are not enduring alone
Would You heal the sick, both physically and spiritually, as they cope with their unique and painful maladies
Would You give us the words to comfort those who are grieving
Would You give us wisdom to discern the best treatments and ways to serve
Would You grant us perseverance even as we are burning out and daily bearing the suffering of others
Even now, we wait for You more than watchmen wait for morning
Even now, we learn the way of gentleness through Your humble heart
Even now, we hope in a better future, believing You are making all things new
Even now, we are oaks of righteousness, a planting of the Lord for the display of Your splendour
Oh God who holds our times in Your hand
We ask that You hasten pain and suffering to a swift end
May a period of rest, peace, and bounty follow
When the days of mourning have ceased and life is restored
In Jesus’s name, Amen
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