Prayer for the Critically Ill in a Pandemic (when you can’t be physically there)

God of infinite care,
how we long for your presence in this heavy time.
Our loved one, (name), is so sick, they may be dying;
we know they are suffering,
and we cannot be at their bedside to hold their hand.
Like so many other family members
who are separated from the sick through travel restrictions,
or levels of quarantine,
our hearts are torn open with grief and anguish.
We need your presence at that bed,
we want them to rally, we want them to get better!
Heal them, Lord!
Bless the nurses and the doctors who are caring for them.
We know that health care is so stretched right now,
give hospital staff the strength to have compassionate hands
and kind voices as they care for (name);
provide the resources and supplies they need.
Dear God, even as we pray for renewed health,
we know that this might not happen,
and so, if this is the end of (name)’s earthly life,
grant them peace.
We trust that you will speak the words to their heart
which we long to say,
words of love, of gratitude, words of blessing.
If this is the time of their ending,
let them pass in safety through the gates of death,
to live forever with you and all the angels in heaven.
Jesus, be their guide, whatever happens.
We trust in the power of your resurrection,
and that we will meet together in your kingdom,
where there will be no sorrow, or crying, or tears.
Hold us together through the power of your infinite mercy.
And now we pray, as you taught us to pray,
“Our Father….  “