God our Father, we bring before you today those who suffer from illness or disability—those whose lives are profoundly affected by their illness.

When they feel fragile and broken,
remind them that you call them by name
and hold them in the palm of your hand.

When they feel devalued, remind them
that they are made in the image Jesus. 

When they are reminded of different times in the past,
lead them to grow in the faith that you love them today, as they are,
in the reality of their lives this day. 

When they feel uncertain and fearful about the future,
lead them to that perfect love which casts out all fear.  

When situations remind them not of what they can do, 
but of what they cannot do, remind them that love never fails.

May all of us, whatever our circumstances, never be so taken up with our own concerns that we do not see or respond to the needs of others, especially those who suffer in our midst. May we live with courage to respond to the challenges that each of us faces. Amen.