1,242. Praying for the Sick

193:4 When praying for the patient, if one is doing so in his presence, he may do so in any language as he is asking in front of G-d's "presence" which, as we have said, is near the patient. However, when praying not in the patient's presence, one should do so in Hebrew for the sake of G-d's "ministering angels," who only join in on prayers said in Hebrew. One should include the patient with all the other sick of our people since one's prayer is more readily accepted when it is for the sake of many. One says, "May the Omnipresent have mercy on you among all the other ill of Israel." On Shabbos one says, "On Shabbos, we may not plead. Healing is near, His mercies are abundant, and His Shabbos is in peace."

193:5 The visitors should talk with the patient using understanding and good sense. They should not raise his hopes unrealistically, nor should they cause him to despair. He should be encouraged to address his affairs, such as if he lent someone money or deposited money with someone, or vice versa. He should not take this advice to mean that he is going die.