THOUGHTS AND PRAYERS FOR AND WITH
SICK CHILDREN

When one of your little ones is sick it raises all sorts of questions about life and its meaning. We can question God, our beliefs and our values. Priorities and perspectives can change. What once seemed urgent and important suddenly takes second place to the immediate needs of the sick child.

When you take a child by the hand you might feel that you are the protector, but it may be that you are also the one who is receiving, because when you look into the eyes of a child living with illness you often see not just their beauty, but also a glimpse of what really matters in life – trust, security, love, faith and hope.  
 
OPENING PRAYER 
Father of tenderness and compassion, you sent your Son to share our human nature,
to redeem all people, and to heal the sick.
Look with love on your children who are sick.
Support them with your power, give them hope in times of suffering
and keep them always in your care.
We ask this through Christ, our Lord.
Amen.
 
JESUS AND THE CHILDREN
Mark 10: 13- 16
‘People were bringing little children to him, for him to touch them. The disciples scolded them, but when Jesus saw this he was indignant and said to them: “Let the little children come to me; do not stop them; for it is to such as these that the kingdom of God belongs. In truth I tell you, anyone who does not welcome the kingdom of God like a little child will never enter it.” Then he embraced them, laid his hands on them and gave them his blessing.’
 
PRAYER 
To My Guardian Angel  
You helped me when I needed help
You protected me when I fell
You listened to me when I was down
We laughed when I was up
You were there when I needed you
Especially at night
You gave me strength when I needed it
Even though I cant give you anything, you dont mind
You were watching over me when I was having tests
Thank you for watching over me. 
(Janice, age 13)
 
 READING Luke 22:39-44
Your Will Be Done, Not Mine
He then left to make his way as usual to the Mount of Olives, with the disciples following. When he reached the place he said to them, ‘Pray not to be put to the test’. Then he withdrew from them, about a stone’s throw away, and knelt down and prayed. ‘Father,’ he said, ‘if you are willing, take this cup away from me. Nevertheless, let your will be done, not mine.’ Then an angel appeared to him coming from heaven to give him strength. In his anguish he prayed even more earnestly, and his sweat fell to the ground like great drops of blood.
 
PARENT’S PRAYER 
Lord, I am angry and afraid today as I try to cope with my child’s illness.  You prayed in your agony Lord to let this chalice pass.
Give me the strength to watch over my little one well
And to say with you ‘let your will be done, not mine’.
 
PRAYER 
God bless all the nurses
Who try to make us well
They always come running
When we ring the bell.
 
God bless all the doctors
And the television in our room
God bless all the cleaning ladies
Who come round with their broom. 
(Adrian, age 12)
   
CONCLUDING PRAYER 
Lord, give all sick children the inner strength to cope with the pressures that their illness brings. Help them to accept the love and care which their families have for them during this difficult time and give them the courage to let their parents know they love them.
We ask this through Christ, our Lord. Amen.
 
From the book Circle of Care – Liturgies for times of special need,  a book of thoughtful prayers, reflections and liturgies designed to bring some of the healing light of Christ to a range of sensitive pastoral situations ranging from birth to death. Editor Fr Pat ODonoghue. Available from Veritas Publications. www.veritas.ie

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