O God, My Faithful God, ELW 806
Devotion
1O God, my faithful God,
true fountain ever flowing,
without whom nothing is,
all perfect gifts bestowing:
give me a healthy frame,
and may I have within
a conscience free from blame,
a soul unstained by sin.
2Give me the strength to do
with ready heart and willing
whatever you command,
my calling here fulfilling—
to do it when I ought,
with all my might—and bless
whatever I have wrought,
for you must give success.
3Keep me from saying words
that later need recalling;
guard me, lest idle speech
may from my lips be falling;
but when, within my place,
I must and ought to speak,
then to my words give grace,
lest I offend the weak.
4When dangers gather round,
oh, keep me calm and fearless;
help me to bear the cross
when life seems dark and cheerless;
help me, as you have taught,
to love both great and small,
and, by your Spirit's might,
to live at peace with all.
Health is something we often take for granted. Albert Schweitzer famously said, "Happiness is nothing more than good health and a bad memory." But if you are experiencing pain in body, mind, or spirit, then all of life becomes difficult. It's no wonder many of our weekly prayers in church petition God on behalf of those who suffer physically, mentally, or spiritually.
When we pray to God, who knows how to give good gifts, we naturally hope for bodily health, a sound mind, and a spirit constantly renewed by God's gracious forgiveness. With these three areas intact, we can live happily, and we are also well equipped to be God's agents in the world. Therefore, we need not feel selfish about making time to take care of our own health concerns. In doing so, we are best able to serve in our vocations for the benefit of all.
Prayer
Great Physician, we boldly pray for health in mind, body, and spirit. Strengthen us for your mission in the world, that we may be effective ministers of your grace. In the name of Christ. Amen.