Psalm 41
1Happy are they who consider the poor and needy!
the LORD will deliver them in the time of trouble.
2 The LORD preserves them and keeps them alive,
so that they may be happy in the land;
he does not hand them over to the will of their enemies.
3 The LORD sustains them on their sickbed
and ministers to them in their illness.
4 I said, “LORD, be merciful to me;
heal me, for I have sinned against you.”
5 My enemies are saying wicked things about me:
“When will he die, and his name perish?”
6 Even if they come to see me, they speak empty words;
their heart collects false rumors;
they go outside and spread them.
7 All my enemies whisper together about me
and devise evil against me.
8 “A deadly thing,” they say, “has fastened on him;
he has taken to his bed and will never get up again.”
9 Even my best friend, whom I trusted,
who broke bread with me,
has lifted up his heel and turned against me.
10 But you, O LORD, be merciful to me and raise me up,
and I shall repay them.
11 By this I know you are pleased with me,
that my enemy does not triumph over me.
12 In my integrity you hold me fast,
and shall set me before your face for ever.
13 Blessed be the LORD God of Israel,
from age to age. Amen.
A Prayer for All Sorts and Conditions
O God, the creator and preserver of all, we humbly beseech you for all sorts and conditions of people; that you would be pleased to make your ways known unto them, your saving health unto all nations. More especially we pray for your holy Church universal; that it may be so guided and governed by your good Spirit, that all who profess and call themselves Christians may be led into the way of truth, and hold the faith in unity of spirit, in the bond of peace, and in righteousness of life. Finally, we commend to your fatherly goodness all those who are in any ways afflicted or distressed, in mind, body, or estate; that it may please you to comfort and relieve them according to their several necessities, giving them patience under their sufferings, and a happy issue out of all their afflictions. And this we beg for Jesus Christ’s sake. Amen.
