(or 16 November) for those who have died in childhood or adolescence
Hear my cry, O God;
listen to my prayer.
Let those who have died in childhood and adolescence abide in your tent for ever,
find refuge under the shelter of your wings. (cf Psalm 61)
Little children were being brought to Jesus in order that he might lay his hands on them and pray. The disciples spoke sternly to those who brought them; but Jesus said, ‘Let the little children come to me, and do not stop them; for it is to such as these that the kingdom of heaven belongs.’ And he laid his hands on them and went on his way. Matthew 19: 13-15
The death of a child or adolescent brings with it a sense of lost potential – all the hopes and dreams the parents, teachers and others – and the child or young person themselves – seem to have been crushed. The holes in the lives of those left behind can never be filled.
A minute of silence.
We pray for those who have died in childhood and adolescence –
(especially Nxxxx – name of a child or adolescent you know)
their families, their friends and their teachers and school and college mates.
Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.
We pray for paediatric doctors, nurses and hospital and home educators,
for those who support the young people, their families and friends.
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.
