Book of Dimma: the Order for the Visitation of the Sick (Irish) (written in Ireland, late 8th century (Trinity College Dublin MS 59))

Biddings and Prayers for the Sick

Let us pray, brethren, to the Lord our God for our brother N., whom the evil of sickness now afflicts, that the goodness of the Lord may vouchsafe to heal him with heavenly medicines; may he who gave him life give him health also. Through our Lord.

Dearly beloved brethren, let us humbly pray for our sick brother to the living and almighty God, for whom it is most easy to restore and strengthen all his works, that the creature may feel the hand of the Creator, either in restoring him or in receiving him; and that in his own man the loving Father may vouchsafe to renew his work. Through our Lord.

O Lord, holy Father, author of all things, almighty and eternal God, for whom all things live, who quickenest the dead and callest those things which be not as though they were: as thou art the craftsman, mercifully exercise thy wonted work upon this thy creature. Through our Lord.

Dearly beloved brethren, let us beseech God, in whose hand is both the breath of the living and the life of the dying, that he heal the sickness of this body and grant health to the soul; that what he deserveth not by merit he may obtain by the grace of mercy, at our prayers. Through our Lord.

O God, who willest not the death of a sinner, but that he should turn and live: forgive the sins of this man who is turned to thee from his heart, and grant him the grace of everlasting life. Through our Lord.

O God, who ever governest thy creation with loving affection: incline thine ear to us who pray to thee; look favourably upon thy servant N., who laboureth under adversity of bodily health; visit him with thy salvation and with the medicine of heavenly grace. Through our Lord.

The Lessons

The lesson of the Apostle to the Corinthians. If in this life only we have hope in Christ, we are of all men most miserable. But now is Christ risen from the dead, the firstfruits of them that sleep. For since by man came death, by man came also the resurrection of the dead. For as in Adam all die, even so in Christ shall all be made alive.

The same day came to him the Sadducees, which say that there is no resurrection, and asked him. Jesus answered and said unto them, Ye do err, not knowing the scriptures, nor the power of God. For in the resurrection they neither marry, nor are given in marriage, but are as the angels in heaven. But as touching the resurrection of the dead, have ye not read that which was spoken unto you by God, saying, I am the God of Abraham, the God of Isaac, and the God of Jacob? God is not the God of the dead, but of the living. And when the multitude heard this, they were astonished at his doctrine.

The Creed and the Anointing

Taught by divine instruction and formed by divine ordinance, we are bold to say:

I believe in God the Father almighty;

I believe also in Jesus Christ his Son;

I believe also in the Holy Spirit;

I believe in life after death;

I believe that I shall rise again.

I anoint thee with hallowed oil in the name of the Trinity, that thou mayest be saved for ever and ever.

The Lord's Prayer and the Peace

Grant us thy servants, that praying with confidence we may be worthy to say: Our Father.

The sick man sings it if he can; if not, the priest sings it in his person.

Acknowledge, O Lord, the words which thou hast commanded; pardon the presumption which thou hast enjoined. It is ignorance in us not to know our desert; it is stubbornness not to keep the precept by which we are bidden to say: Our Father.

Deliver us, O Lord, from all evil, and keep us ever in all good, O Christ Jesus, author of all good things, who reignest for ever.

The peace and love of our Lord Jesus Christ be always with us.

Here the peace is given him, and thou sayest:

The peace and communion of thy saints, O Christ Jesus, be always with us.

He answers: Amen.

The Communion of the Sick

Thou givest him the eucharist, saying:

The Body and Blood of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Son of the living God, preserve thy soul unto life everlasting.

After he has received, he says:

We give thanks to God the Father almighty, that he hath quickened us, who are of earthly origin and nature, by the gift of his sacrament unto a heavenly devotion.

Again, a prayer.

Shew us thy mercy, O Lord.

Turn us, O God of our salvation, and grant health to our sick.

Alleluia. I will take the cup of salvation, and call upon the name of the Lord.

Alleluia. The Lord is my strength, even unto salvation.

Alleluia. Refreshed with the Body and Blood of Christ, may we ever say unto thee.

Alleluia. O praise the Lord, all ye nations (to the end).

Alleluia. Offer the sacrifice of righteousness, and put your trust in the Lord.

The Blessing

Then thou signest him and sayest:

Peace be with thee. The Lord bless thee and keep thee; the Lord turn his face unto thee, and give thee peace.

He answers.

O God, we give thee thanks, through whom we celebrate the holy mysteries, and of thee we ask the gifts of holiness, who reignest for ever.