| Contribute a translation | Source (English) |
|---|---|
|
|
From the beginning,
Thou hast ordained that man made in Thy divine image might imitate Thy holy attributes of mercy and loving-kindness, so that we may be drawn closer to Thee. That where there is grief, we may solace the grief-stricken, where there is suffering we may relieve the sufferers, and where there is illness, dedicated men and women might join their forces to cure the sick. |
|
|
In this godly impulse,
Thy children have banded together to establish institutions where expert care is provided and where suffering is relieved. Glorious indeed is it to witness the offerings that men and women bring to make possible the establishment and maintenance of hospitals for the healing of the sick and the easing of pain. |
|
|
And within these walls
has there been set aside a room consecrated to prayer and meditation. Here questing spirits will come, O Lord, to speak their troubles and seek Thy guidance and comfort. Here parents will come to pray for a child, children to ask Thy strength for their parents, a spouse will offer a prayer of desperate need for a dearly beloved mate. |
|
|
Within this room
people who have learned the raw knife of pain and the desperation of waiting will sit in silence, their minds and spirits turned utterly unto Thee. And psalms of thanksgiving will spontaneously spring to the lips of many who have found answer to their prayers. |
|
|
May the worship offered within this chapel
bring comfort to the sorrowing, light to those who walk in darkness, and understanding to all troubled souls. May Thy spirit abide with us in this hour and with all who come here to seek Thee. |
|
|
So we pray
that they who enter this room will learn the truth of Thy ancient message: “Shalom, Shalom, l’ra-hok v’la-ka-rov u-re-fa-tim. Peace, Peace, to him that is near and to him that is afar, and I shall grant them healing, saith the Lord.” (Isaiah 57:19) |
|
|
Bless, we ask Thee, O Lord,
him who has donated this chapel, and all the citizens of our community who contribute to and serve this hospital. Bless the doctors and nurses and all those who labor for the good of the patients and bless, we pray Thee, the sick who here will find healing. Speed the coming of the time when all men shall acknowledge Thy sovereignty and will together build a world from which disease and strife will be removed. |
|
|
Amen.
|
|
|
So do we in God’s name and in His sight
dedicate this hospital chapel to His worship and the service of man. |
“Prayer for Dedication of Hospital Chapel” by Rabbi Morrison David Bial was first published in his anthology, An Offering of Prayer (1962), p. 68, from where this prayer was transcribed. No contextual information was provided with the prayer, so we cannot say when the prayer was offered or even for which hospital chapel it was dedicated. If you know, please leave a comment or contact us.
Source(s)
