O God, most merciful Father, who by many diseases hast admonished me of my approach to the end of life, assist me by thy Holy Spirit that I may look back upon the sinfulness of my past with pious sorrow, and effective repentance, that my resolutions of amendment may be rightly formed and diligently exerted; and, that I may serve thee with Faith, Hope, and Charity for the time which Thou shalt yet allow me, and finally to be received to everlasting happiness. Amen.
FOR OTHERS:
Almighty and most merciful Father, who does not afflict willingly the children of Men, and by whose will Dr. Taylor now languishes in sickness and pain, make this punishment effectual to those gracious purposes for which Thou sendest it. Let it, if I may presume to ask, end not in death, but in repentance, let him live to promote thy kingdom on earth by the useful example of a better life. But if thy will be to call him hence, let his thoughts be so purified by his sufferings, that he may be admitted to eternal happiness. And, O Lord, by praying for him, let me be admonished to consider my own sins, and my own danger, to remember the shortness of life, and to use the time which thy mercy grants me to thy glory and my own salvation, for the sake of Jesus Christ. Amen.
…Permit, O Lord, thy unworthy creature to offer up this prayer for Anna Williams now languishing upon her bed, and about to recommend herself to thy infinite mercy. O God, who desires not the death of a sinner, look down with mercy upon her; forgive her sins and strengthen her faith. Be merciful, O Father of mercy, to her and to me; guide us by thy Holy Spirit through the remaining part of life; support us in the hour of death and pardon us in the day of judgment, for Jesus Christ sake. Amen.
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II Corinthians 4:16-18 — Therefore we do not lose heart. Though outwardly we are wasting away, yet inwardly we are being renewed day by day. For our light and momentary troubles are achieving for us an eternal glory that far outweighs them all. So we fix our eyes not on what is seen, but on what is unseen. For what is seen is temporary, but what is unseen is eternal.
Psalm 31:7 — I will be glad and rejoice in your love, for you saw my affliction and knew the anguish of my soul.
Lamentations 3:32-33 — Though he brings grief, he will show compassion, so great is his unfailing love. For he does not willingly bring affliction or grief to the children of men.
Romans 12:12 — Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, faithful in prayer.
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ANOTHER PRAYER FOR ONE WHO IS ILL and FOR US ALL:
Almighty and most merciful Father, whose lovingkindness is over all thy works; behold, visit, and relieve this thy servant, who is grieved with sickness. Grant that the sense of her weakness may add strength to her faith and seriousness to her repentance. And grant that by the help of thy Holy Spirit, after the pains and labors of this short life, we may all obtain everlasting happiness through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
