It has pleased Thee, Almighty Lord,
to cast upon this people
the shadow of a great sorrow.
The head and pride of the nation
has been suddenly struck down
by the red hand of a brutal assassin.
Help us to recognize Thy hand
in this mysterious dispensation,
and to bow without murmuring
to Thy holy will.

O hear, we beseech Thee,
hear the cry of Thy people,
and restore Thy servant to health and strength.
Rebuke the malice of those
who would subvert the established order of things
by shedding innocent blood.
Protect us from those pestilent heresies
that have destroyed so many nations on earth.

Give skill to the physicians, O God,
give efficacy to the remedies administered.
Touch with Thine own hand
those hidden springs of life
with that touch, which always brings healing.

Bless, support and comfort
the partner of his life, Mrs. Garfield,
during this great sorrow.
Out of weakness
may she be made strong.
Around his children cast the everlasting arms
of Thy fatherly protection,

and as we stand and wait and watch
with those around the bed of the sufferer
to mark each fluttering pulse
and each flickering breath,
may every unhallowed feeling
be hidden away from our hearts,
in this hour, when the nation trembles before
the weapon against which there is no defense,
and feels the very foundations of its security
threatened by an enemy against whom
there is no earthly protection.
Therefore we cry to Thee;
save us, good Lord,
for Thy namesake.
Unto Thee we shall give all the glory.
Amen.

 
Almighty Lord, I beseech Thee, heal now, O God, (Numbers 12:13)
our beloved President, James Abraham Garfield.
Look down from Thy holy habitation from heaven [and bless] (Deuteronomy 26:15)
and heal the President,
bless his devoted wife,
his boys—Harry and James—
his daughter—Mollie—
and all mankind.
Amen.