(or 14 November) for deaths associated with the Covid pandemic
Hear my cry, O God;
listen to my prayer.
Let those who have died during the Covid pandemic abide in your tent for ever,
find refuge under the shelter of your wings. (cf Psalm 61)
As a father has compassion for his children,
so the Lord has compassion for those who fear him.
For he knows how we were made;
he remembers that we are dust.
As for mortals, their days are like grass;
they flourish like a flower of the field;
for the wind passes over it, and it is gone,
and its place knows it no more.
But the steadfast love of the Lord is from everlasting to everlasting
on those who fear him. Psalm 103: 14-18
2020 has seen thousands of deaths from the pandemic. Because of the need to limit the spread, many died in hospital with loved ones unable to be by their sides. Medical staff often held their hands as they died – sorrowful that they could not save them. The world is suffering a massive, collective grief – made harder by those who are still in denial about what has befallen the world and the impact it has had on individuals, families and communities.
A minute of silence.
We pray for those who have died as a consequence of the Covid pandemic
(especially Nxxxx – name(s) of people for whom you wish to pray)
and their family and friends who mourn them.
Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.
We pray for medical and care staff who care for the sick,
for chaplains and others supporting patients and carers,
for researchers,
for public health workers and all key workers.
Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.
God of tenderness,
we trust to your promise that you yourself with be with those how have died
and with those who mourn
and will wipe every tear from their eyes;
that death will be no more;
and mourning and crying and pain will be no more. cf Revelation 21: 3-4
Trusting in your mercy and love, we pray:
Eternal rest grant unto them, O Lord,
and let perpetual light shine upon them.
May they rest in peace.
Amen.
