(or 20 November) for those whose death is sudden – accident or natural disaster
Hear my cry, O God;
listen to my prayer.
Let those who have died suddenly from accident or sudden illness abide in your tent for ever,
find refuge under the shelter of your wings. (cf Psalm 61)
Jesus said, ‘Those eighteen who were killed when the tower of Siloam fell on them—do you think that they were worse offenders than all the others living in Jerusalem? No, I tell you; but unless you repent, you will all perish just as they did.’ Luke 13: 4-5
Accidents happen but it is in human nature to look for why – or to identify who was at fault. All sudden death means that the person who is dying cannot make their peace with family and friends and may have only seconds to try to make their peace with God. Similarly, their family and friends do not have chance to say or do the things that they promised themselves they would. There is much unfinished business all round.
A minute of silence.
We pray for those who have died suddenly – through accident or a sudden illness –
(especially Nxxxx – name of someone you know)
for their families, their friends and all affected by their deaths.
Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.
We pray for emergency services and all who respond when someone is involved in an accident.
We pray for doctors and nurses in Accident and Emergency and critical care,
for hospital chaplains and all who support family and friends after the sudden death of a loved one.
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.
