Prayer in Times of Epidemics

(extract from the Roman Ritual, Titulus IX, Caput X) 

V. Deal not with us, Lord, according to our sins.

R. And take not vengeance on us because of our misdeeds.

V.  Help us, O God, our Deliverer.

R. And for thy name's sake, O Lord, free us.

V. Remember not, O Lord, our sins of old.

R. Hasten to us with thy compassion, for we are become exceeding poor.

V.  St. Sebastian, pray for us.

R. That we may be made worthy of the promises of Christ.

V. O Lord, hear my prayer.

R. And let my cry come unto thee.

V. The Lord be with you.

R. And with thy spirit.

Let us Pray

Vouchsafe to hear us, O God, our only salvation! And through the intercession of the glorious and blessed Mary, Mother of God and ever Virgin, of thy blessed martyr, Sebastian and of all the saints, deliver thy people from the terrors of thy wrath, and restore their confidence by the outpouring of thy compassion. 

Be moved to pity, O Lord, at our earnest entreaties, and heal the illnesses of body and soul; so that experiencing thy forgiveness we may ever rejoice in thy blessing. 

We beseech thee, O Lord, grant us a hearing as we devoutly raise our petitions to thee, and graciously turn away the epidemic of plague which afflicts us; so that mortal hearts may recognize that these scourges proceed from thine indignation and cease only when thou art moved to mercy. Through our Lord

R Amen

The priest then blesses the people with a relic of the True Cross, saying: 

And may the blessing of Almighty God, Father, Son and Holy Spirit descend upon you and remain forever. 

R. Amen