Suffering is a part of the human reality in all times and in all places, though different parts of the world experience suffering in ways different than those of us in the West. Here is an ancient prayer that I found both powerful and timely for believers in all places and especially during the present time.

We beseech thee, Master, to be our helper and protector.

Save the afflicted among us; have mercy on the lowly;

raise up the fallen; appear to the needy; heal the ungodly;

restore the wanderers of thy people;

feed the hungry; ransom our prisoners;

raise up the sick; comfort the faint-hearted.

(Clement of Rome, 1st Century)