Let us pray with today’s Gospel Reading (Mark 5:21-43) as we celebrate the Memorial of Saint Blaise, Bishop and Martyr:

O Lord Jesus Christ, You are the Lord of life, who took the hand of the little girl and raised her up, who felt the touch of the woman full of faith and restored her to wholeness. On this Memorial of St. Blaise, Bishop and Martyr, we come before You with trust and humility.

Like Jairus, we kneel before You with our fears and prayers and like the woman in the crowd, we reach out in faith, believing that even a single touch of Your grace can heal what is wounded within us.

Through the intercession of St. Blaise, who remained faithful even unto death, protect us from every illness of body and soul, especially ailments that rob us of breath, strength, and hope. Strengthen all who suffer, comfort the sick, and grant courage to those who care for them.

Teach us, Lord, not to be afraid but to believe, to trust in Your power even when situations seem beyond hope. Renew in us the faith that brings life, the faith that opens hearts to Your saving touch.

May Your Word raise us from fear to faith, from death to life, and make us witnesses of Your healing love in the world. Amen