Almighty God and heavenly Father,
we give thee humble thanks
because thou hast been graciously pleased
to deliver from sickness
thy servant who desires now to offer thee praises and thanksgiving.
Grant, O gracious Father,
that he (she) through thy help
may live the remainder of his (her) life
in thy fear and to thy glory;
and that he (she) may continue in thy true service,
loving thee with all his (her) heart,
and serving thee with all his (her) strength;
through Jesus Christ our Lord.
Amen.
ECUMENICAL TRADITIONAL; BCP 1662 AND ECUMENICAL SOURCES
A Prayer of Thanksgiving for a Recovery
Also known as Thanksgiving After Recovery from Illness ยท Prayer of Gratitude for Healing
About this prayer
Christian prayer for the sick has been part of the Church's practice since the New Testament (James 5:14-15). When healing comes, thanksgiving follows. The BCP contains a form of thanksgiving for recovery from sickness among its occasional prayers, and similar prayers appear in Catholic and Protestant devotional books. The prayer given here gives thanks for God's mercy in restoring health and asks for the grace to use the renewed life in God's service. It reflects the understanding that recovery is a gift and an occasion for renewed commitment rather than simply a return to normal life.
When it's said
This prayer is said following recovery from illness, either privately by the person who has recovered or by a minister visiting a convalescent. In Anglican practice it is associated with the BCP's Visitation of the Sick and its aftermath. It may also be said publicly in a church service when a member of the congregation has recovered from serious illness.
Notes on the text
The prayer draws directly on the BCP Thanksgiving for Recovery from Sickness (1662). The phrase 'in thy fear and to thy glory' uses 'fear' in the biblical sense of reverence and right relationship with God, not terror. The response to healing in this prayer is not merely gratitude but renewed dedication.
Source
Book of Common Prayer, 1662, Thanksgiving for Recovery from Sickness. Public domain.
Last reviewed: May 2026 against primary source.