The suffering of illness is one of the most difficult trials a person can go through. Whether it’s a physical, mental, or spiritual ailment, illness reminds us of our human fragility. However, it is also a privileged moment to draw closer to God, ask for comfort, and trust in His will with faith. That’s why prayers for healing have such a special place in the life of the Church.
In addition to medical and human help, the Catholic faith offers us a path of spiritual accompaniment for the sick, through prayer, sacraments, and communion with the saints. Praying for the sick not only soothes their soul but also strengthens the hearts of those around them. In our blog, you can also find other related articles, such as how to ask for God’s help at Mass, where we explain how to offer intentions with confidence during the liturgy.
Since its origins, the Church has accompanied the sick with the comfort of prayer, charity, and the sacraments. Jesus Himself approached the sick, touched them, healed them, and looked at them with compassion. And today, through prayer, we continue to bring that presence of Christ to those who need it most.
Below, we share some traditional prayers of the Catholic Church that you can pray for yourself or for a loved one going through an illness.
The best way to ask God for comfort and hope is during the Holy Mass, where you unite yourself with Christ who offers Himself to the Father for the salvation of all souls. Offer your prayers along with Him, and He will give you what is best for your salvation and that of your loved ones. Sometimes it will coincide with what you ask for and other times it won’t, but God will hear your plea.
Use the Catholic Mass Times app to find the schedules of a nearby Catholic church and attend today! Download it now.
1. Prayer for healing by Saint John Paul II
Pope Saint John Paul II, who knew physical suffering firsthand, wrote this prayer full of hope. It is ideal to pray for people who are going through a prolonged or painful illness.
O Christ, you who have taken upon yourself our sufferings and have borne our sorrows, accompany your sick children in their trial, give them confidence, patience, and strength. May they discover in their pain a participation in your redemptive cross, and find comfort in your love.
Amen
2. Prayer to our Lady of Lourdes
Our Lady of Lourdes is the patron saint of the sick, due to the many healing miracles attributed to her intercession. This prayer is especially powerful when prayed with faith during times of serious or terminal illness.
O Immaculate Virgin of Lourdes, you who know pain and comfort, intercede for all who suffer in body and soul. Ease their pains, strengthen their faith, and if it is your Son’s will, grant them health. Be a comfort to those who suffer and hope for those who can no longer go on.
Amen.
3. Prayer for the Healing of a Sick Person
The Catechism reminds us that illness can be a path of conversion and communion with Christ. This brief prayer captures that spirit.
Lord, if you wish, you can heal me. If you do not wish, make me remain united to your will. I offer you my suffering, and I unite myself to your cross for the salvation of the world.
Amen.
4. Prayer to the Sacred Heart of Jesus for a Sick Person
The Sacred Heart of Jesus is a symbol of God’s merciful love. This prayer is ideal for spiritually accompanying a loved one who is ill.
Sacred Heart of Jesus, source of all life and health, I place [name of the sick person] in your hands. You know their pain, their fear, and their hope. Accompany them at every moment, strengthen their spirit, and if it is your will, give them bodily health. But above all, may they never lack your grace.
Amen.
5. Prayer of Pope Francis for the Sick
During times of trial, such as the recent pandemic, Pope Francis offered prayers especially dedicated to the sick and those who care for them. This prayer is a call for compassion, closeness, and trust in God.
Lord, who is attentive to the cry of the poor and the sick, look with compassion on those who suffer in body and soul. Strengthen those who care for them with tenderness, devotion, and patience. And to us, give a heart capable of accompanying, consoling, and supporting those who need it most.
Amen.
6. Prayer before Surgery or Treatment (Inspired by Saint Padre Pio)
In moments of medical uncertainty, this prayer is a way to ask for serenity, confidence, and surrender to God’s will, in the style of Padre Pio.
My Jesus, I trust in You. If You will, You can heal me. If it is for my good, grant me healing; if not, give me the strength to bear this cross with patience. You are the physician of soul and body. Accompany me and make everything serve for my salvation. Virgin Mary, cover me with your mantle. Saint Joseph, intercede for me.
Amen.
7. Prayer to the Christ of Health
This traditional prayer, recited in many churches under the invocation of Christ of Health, is a confident plea to Jesus for those facing pain with hope.
Lord Jesus, You who have gone about doing good and healing the sick, look with love upon those who need You today. Place Your healing hand upon them and give them peace. May Your Spirit strengthen them, Your love comfort them, and Your cross be their hope. May they never feel alone, for You walk with them.
Amen.
Remember that the best and most complete form of prayer is the Holy Mass, in which we can offer God our prayers and sacrifices to ask for the sick.
You can use the Catholic Mass Times app to find Mass schedules of nearby churches and go today! It will surely help you! Download it now.
Prayer is a comfort and hope for the soul wounded by illness. Through these prayers for the sick, we raise our confident supplication to heaven, knowing that God listens to those who suffer. Whether we pray for ourselves or for a loved one, we put our trust in the Lord’s healing power, in Mary’s tenderness, and in the hope that never disappoints.
If you wish to further deepen your prayer life, we invite you to also read our article on prayers for children, where you will find prayers to accompany your loved ones with faith. May these prayers be a comfort and a light for you in the midst of trial. And if you know someone who is sick, don’t hesitate to share them: sometimes, a simple prayer can transform an entire day.
