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Almighty God, Lord and Giver of Life, we praise You for our lives, made as we are in Your own image. So much did You love us, you sent your Son to redeem us, and you keep us and teach us by your Holy Spirit. Yet we suffer greatly, and we do not see as you see. We do not understand. If we said that we did, we would forget the place you have given us, and we would dishonor your holy Name. Instead, grant us many graces to endure well, to not lose heart, to weep as those who know your goodness. Be patient when we forget. Bring us those who know when to speak and when to be silent. Lord Jesus Christ, the Scriptures say of you, "Surely he has borne our griefs, and carried our sorrows." Mighty God and Prince of Peace, we ask that you would carry our afflictions in a special way now. We know that you suffer with us, and you are inviting us to suffer with you. Just as it appeared hopeless in the dark hour of your death, so it may appear now. And we also remember how you wept at the death of Lazarus, though death would hold him only a little while. By this we know you are not ashamed to be with us and cry with us in our suffering. Though I myself am happy and healthy, others of your children are not. I ask you to remember those for whom I pray. Though it is not today, we hope to experience the happiness of restored health, not unlike when your Apostles realized that you had risen from the dead, and had defeated the work of the devil. Be pleased to accept our tears and comfort us in our affliction. Heavenly Father, we ask all this through Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, forever and ever, Amen.

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