Prayers that can be used on or around Day for Life, celebrated in parishes throughout England and Wales on Sunday, 16 June 2024.
The LORD is my shepherd; I shall not want.
He makes me lie down in green pastures.
He leads me beside still waters.
He restores my soul.
He leads me in paths of righteousness
for his name’s sake.
Even though I walk through the valley of the
shadow of death,
I will fear no evil,
for you are with me;
your rod and your staff,
they comfort me.
You prepare a table before me
in the presence of my enemies;
you anoint my head with oil;
my cup overflows.
Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me
all the days of my life,
and I shall dwell in the house of the LORD
forever.
This prayer exposes the shared aspect of death and suffering. It can be said along with family and friends.
O Lord,
support us all the day long of this troublous life,
until the shadows lengthen, and the evening comes,
and the busy world is hushed,
and the fever of life is over, and our work is done.
Then, Lord, in thy mercy,
grant us a safe lodging, a holy rest,
and peace at the last.
Amen.
For the Church: that Church leaders together with all the faithful may continually witness to the real and certain hope we have in Christ, the Good Shepherd, who is the resurrection and the life.
For policy makers and those in government: that they may come to discern more clearly that the infinite dignity of every person can never be lost even in what seem to be hopeless situations, and that however short a person’s life may be, that person is unconditionally precious.
For those who are afraid, suffering or in despair: that they may come to feel the presence of the Holy Spirit, the Comforter, ever near them ready to lead them out of their darkness and into the light of hope.
For those who care for the sick and dying, and for those who work in palliative care: that modelling themselves on Christ the Good Samaritan who binds up all our wounds, they may bring true compassion and hope so that no one feels abandoned, useless or a burden.
For us all: that our final days may be filled with grace and love and that we may be prepared for the hour of our death when, led by the Good Shepherd, God will call us by our name.
A scripture reflection for Day for Life focusing on compassion and hope at the end of life.
Profiles of organisations working on care at the end of life
