I am finishing up a work week away from home in which one of my traveling companions received some bad news about a close friend. Tying it into this week’s Friday Vespers, here is a general prayer for healing.

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OST gracious and holy God, we come to you with heavy hearts weighed down by the sorrows and difficulties of the world. The needs before us are so great and numerous that, were it not for your mercy and strength, we would be utterly overwhelmed by sadness and despair—for we are wholly dependent on your sustaining grace, even for our ability to cry, “Abba! Father!” Grant that, according to your mercy, our heaviness would be lifted and our mourning turned into gladness, by the washing of regeneration and renewal of thy Holy Spirit. Heal not only the wounds of our flesh, but also the hurts of our hearts and minds—renewing the whole person as only you are able. We pray this for your glory, because we are your children, adopted as sons and daughters through the one who died, was raised, has ascended and sits at your right hand interceding on our behalf; Christ our Lord — Amen.