THANK-OFFERING AFTER RECOVERY

     I thank Thee, Lord God ALmighty, that because of my sins Thou hast like a father visited and chastened me.  Yea, Lord, it is good for me that Thou hast humbled me, that I may learn Thy ways.  O my God, like King Hezekiah I, too, have often thought:  "Mine age is departed and is removed from me as a shepherd's tent; I have cut off like a weaver my life; He will cut me off with pining sickness; from day even to night wilt Thou make an end of me."  But I see, my God, that my sickness was not unto death, but to the glory of God in order that THou, my Lord Jesus Christ, be magnified thereby.

     For Thou has been merciful unto me and hast made rich provisions for my soul.

     All my sins Thou didst cast behind Thee,  and my life THou didst prolong.  How well Thou didst remove my sickness, and how graciously THou didst help me!  I render thanks unto Thee, yea, I thank Thee from my inmost heart that THou hast strengthened and restored me, so that I can again behold Thy holy temple, go my way, and attend to my occupation.

     It is Thy goodness, O lord, that has prolonged my days.  Oh how often I shall recall Thy chastening rod and be on my guard all the days of life, lest I incur Thy wrath!

     Help me now, O Lord, my God, to begin a new life with my renewed state of health.

     Grant that I may at all times magnify Thy name, and let Thy praise evermore be in my mouth.  Guide me by Thy Holy Spirit that I may live to thy honor and not yield my members as instruments of unrighteousness to serve sin, but as instruments of righteousness to serve Thee, my God.  And I shall in Thy congregation sing songs of praise and glory to Thee all the days of my life.  Amen.

PRAYERS FOR THE SICK AND DYING. 8. At 12:00

                                   At Twelve O'clock.


     O dearest Lord Jesus, I render Thee heartfelt thanks that Thou hast revealed Thyself unto me in the writings of the holy prophets and apostles, to the end that I might believe on Thee and through faith in Thee have eternal life.  I pray Thee to keep me steadfast in the true faith that I may reach the end of my faith, even the salvation of my soul.  And render me watchful and well prepared, so that when Thou, my heavenly Bridegroom, dost come, I may meet Thee with joy and together with Thee enter the heavenly bridal chamber, where, free from all sins and imperfections, I shall love and praise Thee forevermore.  Amen.

PRAYERS FOR THE SICK AND DYING. 8. At 11:00

                            At Eleven O'clock.

     O Thou faithful Lord Jesus, who after Thy resurrection didst often and powerfully comfort Thy sorrowing disciples and dost kindly ask all the weary and heavy-laden to come unto Thee and promisest to give them rest:  oh, come also unto me in my sickness, comfort and refresh me, Thou my only Refuge, Comfort, and Support.  I yearn for the repose of a happy death and have a desire for the joyous resurrection of my body.  Let me experience both, the sooner, the better, and I will forever praise Thee together with the Father and the Holy Ghost.  Amen.                  

PRAYERS FOR THE SICK AND DYING. 8. At 10:00

                             At Ten O'clock.


     O Thou just and gracious God and Father, I confess with frankness and sorrow that I have not only been conceived and born in sin but that I have also frequently transgressed Thy holy Ten Commandments in thoughts, words, and deeds, thereby fully deserving both this my temporal cross and also everlasting punishment.

     But since thy most blessed Son, my faithful Savior Jesus Christ, with His precious merits and His holy blood has fully atoned for all my sins, original and actual, I pray Thee to be gracious unto me for his sake and not to add eternal punishment to my temporal chastisement.

     And so incline me by Thy Holy Spirit that I be separate from the great multitude of the ungodly and ever strive after true faith and those good Christian works that proceed therefrom.  Especially do Thou grant that I be patient in tribulation, fight a good fight, keep the faith and a good conscience, and after this life live in Thy tabernacle forever.  Grant relief to me in my suffereings, if it be Thy holy will, and so lighten my cross that I shall be able to bear it; for the sake of Thy dear Son Jesus Christ. Amen.

PRAYERS FOR THE SICK AND DYING. 8. At 9:00

                        At Nine O'clock


     O my dearest Lord Jesus, Thy suffering, though so grievous, came to a blessed end; Thou wast delivered through a happy death.  Oh, grant the same to me and put an end to my protracted sufferings.  For this I shall praise, extol, and magnify Thee.  Now I know Thou wilt ever be mindful of me, and my hope will never be lost in despair.  While on this earth, I am a member of Thy Church Militant; oh, let me be and remain a member of Thy Church Triumphant in heaven!  Amen.

PRAYERS FOR THE SICK AND DYING. 8. At 8:00

                         At Eight O'clock.


     O dearest Lord Jesus, Thou, who already on the eighth day of Thy sojourn here on earth didst begin to endure pain for me and to shed Thy blood, grant unto me a disposition willing to endure pain in patience and to Thy glory and gladden me with the hope that in the waters of great tribulation Thou wilt safely keep my soul, even as Thou didst the eight souls in the ark of Noah.  Let me be among the eight groups Thou didst pronounce blessed.  Grant me grace to be poor in spirit, patient in tribulation, meek toward mine enemies to hunger and thirst after righteousness, to be charitable towards needy Christians, pure of heart, peaceable towards my neighbors, and steadfast in persecution.  May I in this school of patience advance through all grades, finally to be translated to the blessed school of everlasting life, where I shall forever love and praise Thee together with the Father and Holy Ghost!  Amen.

PRAYERS FOR THE SICK AND DYING. 8. At 7:00

               At Seven O'clock.


     O God, my heavenly Father, Thou didst rest on the seventh day of creation; rest, I beseech Thee, also in my heart and keep Thy Sabbath in it; for Thou art the only Rest and Comfort of my soul.  O Lord Jesus, let the seventh and last word spoken by Thee on the cross be also my utterance when I am in travail of death, that I may commend my spirit to Thee, my heavenly Father.

     O Holy Spirit, Thou Teacher and Spirit of prayer, enkindle in me that constant devotional spirit that by means of the holy Lord's Prayer, the seven penitential psalms and other prayers and devotions, I may present my wants and needs to the Lord and be graciously heard by Him.  Amen.

PRAYERS FOR THE SICK AND DYING. 8. At 6:00

                           At Six O'clock


     O my dear God and Father, I thank Thee that Thou hast created me in Thy image and hast given me a human body and a rational mind; and I pray Thee, Thou wouldst not forsake me, Thy creature, in my present distress, but care for me as a father and rescue me by Thy power.  My tribulation is grievous, and each day has a burden of its own, butI know Thou wilt finally deliver me from all evil.  In Thee, O Lord, do I hope; let me never be confounded.  Amen.

PRAYERS FOR THE SICK AND DYING. 8. At 5:00

                        At Five O'clock


     O dearest Jesus, where else than in Thy holy five wounds shall I find refuge in my pain and tribulation? They will be my safest place of refuge when I shall sink into unconsciousness.  I abide in Thee; do Thou also abide in me.  Provide the lamp of my heart with the oil of true faith and prepare me by heart with the oil of true faith and prepare me by a Christian repentance to meet Thee with joy at Thy coming and to participate in the joys of the eternal wedding-feast, together with all the elect.  Amen.

PRAYERS FOR THE SICK AND DYING. 8. At 4:00

                  At Four O'clock


      O Thou faithful God, teach me to number my days, and I shall guard against sin.  Grant unto me a happy death; acquit me on the Day of Judgment; preserve me from damnation; take me into life everlasting.  Even in death I shall lie down and sleep in peace.  On the Last Day help me to escape hell and to enter heaven.  Let my heart receive the seeds of the divine Word, keep them and take comfort from them, until Thou shalt come and take me unto Thyself.  Amen.

PRAYERS FOR THE SICK AND DYING. 8. At 3:00

            At Three O'clock


     O Holy Spirit, Thou dearest Friend of my soul and most truthful Witness of my heritage in heaven and my eternal Salvation, I humbly pray Thee, continue to dwell in my heart throughout my protracted sickness and strengthen me with Thy divine comfort that I may remain steadfast in Thy pure Word and the most venerable Sacraments.  Preserve in me faith, love, and hope these three pillars of my Christian life, and reveal to me in its fulness God's fatherly pleasure towards me, to the end that I may quietly submit to His good and gracious will, being Thine in life and death.  Amen.

PRAYERS FOR THE SICK AND DYING. 8. At 2:00

                         At Two O'Clock


     O dearest Lord Jesus, my faithful Mediator and Savior, full well do I know that I have richly deserved this bodily infirmity and my other afflictions.  But I take comfort in Thy inexhaustible grace and precious atonement where with Thou hast redeemed me, body and soul.  May amy body fare as it will, I am fully convinced that my body and soul, placed beyond the power of hell, shall attain to eternal life and be endowed with the glory and health of heaven.  To this end, O Lord Jesus, grant me Thine aid.  Amen.

PRAYERS FOR THE SICK AND DYING. 8. At 1:00

                                                             At One O'clock.


     O Thou one true God, my Father and Creator, from whom health and sickness, prosperity and adversity,  proceed, since it is Thy fatherly will that I am to bear so protracted a sickness and cross, grant unto me Christian patience and constant hope.  I know Thou art my constant and beloved Father, both in days of adversity and prosperity.  I know it behooves all true Christians to endure tribulation and to bear their cross; why, then, should I desire to be exempt?  And did not Jesus Christ, my Head and my Savior, have to suffer for me?  O my God and benevolent Father, keep me true to Thy Word and let it ever be my best cordial and comfort.  Amen. 

PRAYERS FOR THE SICK AND DYING. 7. Prayer Before Undergoing an Operation

     My Lord and my God, to whom shall I flee for succor in the great distress which Thou hast allowed to come upon me, save to Thee, who hast commanded, "Call upon Me in the day of trouble; I will deliver thee, and thou shalt glorify Me?"  Thy hand has smitten me, Thy hand will also make me whole again.  (Thou hast cast me upon the bed of pain and brought me nigh unto death; Thou canst raise me up again that I may live before Thee.)

     I confess before Thee that with my many sins I have deserved not only Thy fatherly chastening, but also eternal punishment.  But I am heartily sorry that I have offended Thy majesty and have not kept Thy holy Law.  But I know that Thou, O Father of mercies, hast no pleasure in the death of the wicked, but that the wicked may turn from the error of his way and live.  Therefore I now turn to Thee with a contrite spirit and pray Thee to forgive all my sins.   Be merciful unto me, O Lord, for I am desolate and forsaken; deliver me from all evils that afflict me.  Cast me not off according to my deserts.  O God, be not angry with me, enter not into judgment with Thy servant, for whom Thy beloved Son hath made atonement.

     I firmly believe that, if any man sin, we have an Advocate with Thee, Jesus Christ, the Righteous, and He is the Propitiation for our sins.  In Him is my hope; on His atonement and intercession I fully rely in this hour to obtain grace and mercy from Thee.  Of this am I persuaded, that I am, and will remain, Thy child; for Thou hast given the Spirit of Thy Son into my heart, who crieth without ceasing, "Abba, Father," and intercedes for me with groanings which cannot be uttered.  Therefore, because Thou art my God and Father, Thou wilt not forsake Thy child, but have compassion upon me, even as father pitieth his children.

     O Thou that healest Isreal, bless the means which I am about to use in Thy name to regain my health and grant to the physician (and to the surgeon) wisdom and skill for the difficult work which he is to do; direct his hand and grant a happy issue.  Endow me, Thou God of patience and comfort, with Christian patience and fortitude that I may pass through this ordeal with calmness.

     And if, according to Thy counsel, I must die during the operation that I am to undergo, grant that I may be gathered with the elect into life everlasting.  Keep me in true faith in my Lord and Savior Jesus Christ and in my last hour grant that I may think of nothing save His cross and His bitter death and for the sake of His wounds enter into the heavenly paradise.  Let Thy Holy Spirit bear witness with my spirit that I am a child of God and an heir of heaven.  May my last words be those with which Thy dear Son closed His lips in death:  "Father, into Thy hands I commend my spirit."  Amen.
     

PRAYERS FOR THE SICK AND DYING. 6. A PRAYER FOR A PENITENT PATIENT.

6.  Prayer for a Penitent Patient.

     O almighty God and Father, who dost visit men because of their sins with divers plagues, especially bodily sickness, in order to chastise them, lest they be condemned with the world, I come to Thee laden with sin and confess that I have deserved not only this sickness, but also eternal damnation, being not only by nature a child of wrath and sold under sin, but having times untold transgressed all Thy commandments.  But I take refuge in Thy boundless mercy and humbly pray Thee not to enter into judgement with me, for in Thy sight shall no man living be justified.  Remember not the sins of my youth nor my transgressions, but for Thy name's sake pardon mine iniquity, for it is great.  Remove Thy stroke away from me and hearken unto the voice of my cry; hold not Thy peace at my tears.  Spare me that I may recover strength before I go hence and be no more.  Behold, dear Father, for peace I have great bitterness; in love deliver my soul from the pit of corruption and cast all my sins behind Thy back.  And do Thou also regard my bodily sickness, either by removing it or alleviating it by Thy comfort.  Grant patience, help me bear my cross, and save my soul.  I submit to Thy will; do Thou as it seemeth good unto Thee, for Thine I am and would remain.  Amen.

PRAYERS FOR THE SICK AND DYING: 5. PRAYER IN SICKNESS

5.  Prayer in Sickness

     O Thou merciful and gracious God and Father, I acknowledge and confess to Thee that I have not spent my life (which I received from Thee) profitably and to Thy honor, but to the satisfying of the desires of my flesh, having served myself and the world more than Thee.  O Lord, I am heartily sorry for having spent the short time of my life to such bad purpose, and I now see that Thou dost visit me on account of my sins in sending upon me this sickness in order to call me to repentance.  Thou dost judge me in equity, O Lord, and dost chastise me in order that I may not be condemned with the wicked world.  By this sickness Thou dost remind me of my mortal state; Thou teachest me to know mine end and the measure of my days, what it is.  Surely every man walketh in a vain show; he heapeth up riches and knoweth not who shall gather them.  And now, what wait I for?  My hope is in Thee.  Deliver me, I beseech Thee, from my transgressions.  I know, O Lord, that my times are in Thy hand:  Thou hast written all my members in Thy book, which in continuance were fashioned, when as yet there were none of them.  My substance was not hid from Thee when I was curiously wrought in my mother's womb.  Since, now, it is Thy will that I should be sick, let me gladly submit to this Thy will.  O Lord, Thine arrows stick fast in me, and Thy hand presseth me sore.  There is no soundness in my flesh because of Thine anger, nor is there any rest in my bones because of my sins; for my sins cover me and as a heavy burden they are too heavy for me.  O my God, preserve my soul from all temptations and let this sickness of the body act as a remedy for the restoring of my soul.  Keep my heart and mind and protect me against the fiery darts of the devil with Thy shield and buckler by the peace of my Lord Jesus Christ.  Thou knowest, O Lord, that I am the work of Thy hands, Thou hast formed me out of the clay; we are the clay, and Thou art our Potter.  Alas, how I am broken to pieces!  Therefore, O Lord, spare me; Thou wilt not cast away nor in Thy wrath destroy the work of Thy hand; Thou hast separated me from my mother' s womb; Thou didst make me hope when I was upon my mother's breasts; Thou are the Lord and the Giver of my life and hast power to take it again according to Thy pleasure.  If it be Thy will, show mercy unto me, as Thou did King Hezekiah, to whose life Thou didst add fifteen years.  Behold, for peace I have great bitterness; in love keep my soul and deliver it from the pit of corruption and cast all my sins behind Thy back.  Should this sickness not be unto death, then graciously restore me to health, for I am very frail.  O Lord Jesus Christ, Thou heavenly Physician, take Thou me in treatment, relieve my pain, heal me by Thy wounds, and let Thy bitter sufferings and death be my remedy.  O Lord, let me touch the hem of Thy garment, namely, Thy Word and Sacrament, in which Thou art wrapped up, and restore me by the power proceeding from Thee.  But if it be Thy will that in this sickness I shall go the way of all flesh, be it so, for I am no better than my fathers; only, O Lord, let Thy servant depart in peace according to Thy Word, for mine eyes have seen Thy salvation, which Thou hast prepared before the face of all people, a Light to lighten the Genitles, and the Glory of Thy people Isreal.  Amen.

PRAYERS FOR THE SICK AND DYING: 4. ANOTHER EVENING PRAYER FOR A SICK PERSON

4.  Another Evening Prayer for a Sick Person.

     O almighty and merciful God, beloved Father, Thou hast said, "Call upon Me in the day of trouble, I will deliver thee," I now beseech Thee in this evening hour, have mercy upon me and remit all my sins wherewith I have offended Thee during the day.  I commend myself to Thee for the approaching night that my soul may find rest in Thee though my body be in pain.  Graciously prevent a sudden death without the saving knowledge of Thy dear Son.  If it be Thy gracious will, let me rest without pain of body or distress of soul and suffer me to see the morrow.  But if this is to be my last night on earth and Thou, in Thy unsearchable counsel, hast decreed to summon me hence, I humbly pray Thee Thou wouldst let me enter the eternal day of heaven and make me a doorkeeper in Thy kingdom.  In Thy name I now go to sleep.  Whether I awaken to natural or eternal life, I will heartily love and praise Thee, my faithful God.  Amen.  In Jesus' name.  Amen.

PRAYERS FOR THE SICK AND DYING: 3. EVENING PRAYER FOR A SICK PERSON

3.  Evening Prayer for a Sick Person.

     O Lord God, my Father, I thank Thee for Thy gracious assistance during this day, and I earnestly pray Thee, succor me, a weak and sick person, during this approaching night, with Thy grace, with Thy power, with Thy comfort, with Thy Spirit.  Into Thy hands I commend my body and soul.  Thy holy angel be with me that the Wicked Once may have no power over me; through Jesus Christ, Thy dear Son, our Lord.  Amen.

PRAYERS FOR THE SICK AND DYING: 2. ANOTHER MORNING PRAYER FOR A SICK PERSON

2.  Another Morning Prayer for a Sick Person

     I commit myself this day and all the days of my life to Thee, eternal Father, who hast created me; to Thee, eternal Son, who hast redeemed me; to Thee, God the Holy Ghost, who hast sactified me in Holy Baptism.  O Holy Trinity, render Thou me fit at all times to enter eternal bliss; through Jesus Christ, my Lord and Savior. Amen.

     O kind and merciful God and Father, by Thy grace I have again passed the night and have lived to see the enjoyable daylight once more.  I thank Thee that Thou hast been my Guard and Keeper, my Comforter and Helper; that Thou hast, like a father, sustained my frail body and my sorrowing soul; that Thou hast preserved me from a sudden death, great temptations, and other ills; and that Thou hast by Thy holy angels powerfully protected me from a sudden death, great temptations, and other ills; and that Thou hast by Thy holy angels powerfully protected me against the devil, the prince of darkness.  It is due to Thy mercy and grace that I am still living.  Do also this day, I heartily beseech Thee, turn Thy face unto me and so guard and guide me that there may be nothing sinful in my thoughts, words, or actions.  Lead me, Thy needy sheepk, in the paths of Thy holy Word, which is my only comfort in my distress.  Preserve me, O Lord, for I trust in Thee; Thou art my only Strength, my God, and my greatest Treasure.  So direct my mind and my desires that I shall fear and also love Thee.  Dispel all that does not emanate from Thee.  May I be so immersed in Thee that in my cross and my distress I may submit my will to Thee and trust in Thee alone, since no man can counsel or save me.  Thou art the true Physician of all sick, the true Comforter of all in distress, the only Salvation of the dying.  Heal me, comfort me, and sve me, O heavenly Father! Graciously keep me this day from sin and all evil, from the wiles of the devil, from the offenses of the world, and the evil lusts of mine own sinful flesh.  Grant unto me patience, hope and perseverance.  And when the time of my sojourning is at an end, give me an easy and blessed death.  I ask this for Jesus' sake, Thy dear Son, my Savior.  Amen.

PRAYERS FOR THE SICK AND DYING. 1. MORNING PRAYER FOR A SICK PERSON

 Morning Prayer for a Sick Person.

     O Thou faithful God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, I thank and praise Thee for having during the past night so graciously kept, protected and refreshed me with sleep,k and I heartily beseech Thee in the name of Jesus Christ that Thou wouldst turn to me in mercy this day and all the remaining days of my life, pardon mine iniquity, comfort me by Thy grace, strengthen me by Thy power, and guide me by Thy Holy Spirit that I may live and suffer according to Thy will.  I commend my sick body and my precious soul into Thy hands.  Thy holy angel be with me that the Wicked One may have no power or influence over me; through Jesus Christ, Thy dear Son, my only Comfort and Savior, in the power of the Holy Ghost.  Amen.