Prayers and Resources
St Bernadette in Liverpool
Will I be healed?
“Many signs and wonders were worked among the people
at the hands of the apostles
so that the sick were even taken out into the streets and laid on beds
and sleeping mats
in the hope that at least
the shadow of Peter
might fall across some of them
as he went past.”
(Acts 5:14-15)
Relics are often linked to healing miracles that capture people’s imagination because they are inexplicable through natural means. When the blind who lack neurological pathways for vision suddenly see, or the deaf whose ears are irreparably damaged hear, or any major terminal illness disappears, or when any medically inexplicable restoration takes place, we tend to get excited and hope for the same for ourselves and our loved ones. And although God’s love heals and restores may people down to the fabric of their bodies, it is easy to overlook the deep psychological or spiritual healing that often takes place without any headlines. Since nobody remains unchanged upon encountering God in the proximity of the saint, some healing will always take place – although perhaps not the one we may expect or hope for.
Our Lady of Lourdes Prayer for Healing
O ever-Immaculate Virgin, Mother of Mercy, health of the sick, refuge of sinners, comforter of the afflicted, you know my wants, my troubles, my sufferings; look with mercy on me. By appearing in the Grotto of Lourdes, you were pleased to make it a privileged sanctuary, whence you dispense your favours; and already many sufferers have obtained the cure of their infirmities, both spiritual and corporal. I come, therefore, with complete confidence to implore your maternal intercession. Obtain, O loving Mother, the grant of my requests. (Mention your petition). Through gratitude for your favours, I will endeavour to imitate your virtues, that I may one day share your glory. Amen.
Healing Prayer to St Bernadette
Dear Saint Bernadette, chosen by Almighty God as a channel of God’s graces and blessings, and through your humble obedience to the requests of Our Blessed Mother, Mary, you gained for us the miraculous waters of spiritual and physical healing.
We implore you to listen to our pleading prayers that we may be healed of our spiritual and physical imperfections.
Place our petitions in the hands of our Holy Mother, Mary, so that she may place them at the feet of her beloved Son, Our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ, that He may look on us with mercy and compassion: (Make Petition)
Help us, O Dear Saint Bernadette, to follow your example, so that irrespective of our own pain and suffering we may always be mindful of the needs of others, especially those whose sufferings are greater than ours.
As we await the mercy of God, remind us to offer up our pain and suffering for the conversion of sinners, and in reparation for the sins and blasphemies of humankind.
May we be always obedient to the will of our heavenly Father, and that through our prayers and humility we may bring consolation to the Most Sacred Heart of Jesus and the Immaculate Heart of Mary that have been wounded by our sins.
Holy Saint Bernadette of Lourdes, Pray for us.
To Heal a Friend
Think, loving God, of our friend [name] who is ill, whom we now commend to your compassionate regard. Comfort him/her upon his/her sickbed and ease his/her suffering. We beg for deliverance and submit that no healing is too hard for you, if it be your will. We therefore pray that you bless our friend [name] with your loving care, renew her/his strength and heal what ails her/him in Your loving name. Amen.
Prayers for Healing
Lord, look upon me with eyes of mercy, may your healing hand rest upon me, may your life giving powers flow into every cell of my body and into the depths of my soul, cleansing, purifying, restoring me to wholeness and strength for service in your Kingdom. Amen.
O God who are the only source of health and healing, the spirit of calm and the central peace of this universe, grant to me such a consciousness of your indwelling and surrounding presence that I may permit you to give me health and strength and peace, through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
Lord, You invite all who are burdened to come to you. Allow Your healing Hand to heal me. Touch my soul with Your compassion for others; touch my heart with Your courage and infinite Love for all; touch my mind with Your Wisdom, and may my mouth always proclaim Your praise. Teach me to reach out to You in all my needs and help me to lead others to You by my example. Most loving Heart of Jesus, bring me health in body and spirit that I may serve You with all my strength. Touch gently this life which you have created, now and forever. Amen.
Pastoral Development Department
Archdiocese of Liverpool, St Margaret Clitherow Centre, Croxteth Drive, Liverpool L17 1AA
pd@rcaol.org.uk 0151 522 1040 www.liverpoolcatholic.org.uk
Illustrations by Justin Malewezi justin@learnwithkizito.com www.learnwithkizito.com
