(or 21 November) for those who die as a result of poverty – hunger – preventable disease.
Hear my cry, O God;
listen to my prayer.
Let those who have died as a consequence of poverty, hunger or preventable diseases abide in your tent for ever,
find refuge under the shelter of your wings. (cf Psalm 61)
The Lord said, ‘I was hungry and you gave me no food, I was thirsty and you gave me nothing to drink, I was a stranger and you did not welcome me, naked and you did not give me clothing, sick and in prison and you did not visit me.” Then they also will answer, “Lord, when was it that we saw you hungry or thirsty or a stranger or naked or sick or in prison, and did not take care of you?” Then he will answer them, “Truly I tell you, just as you did not do it to one of the least of these, you did not do it to me.”’ Matthew 25: 41-45
Throughout the world. people die as a result of poverty, malnutrition and preventable diseases. Some are just one of so many that their death is met with resignation or is barely noticed – yet each is creation of God – a unique and irreplaceable human being.
A minute of silence.
We pray for those who have died as a consequence of poverty, hunger or preventable diseases –
(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 medical and charity workers who strive to bring dignity to those in poverty and at risk of malnutrition or preventable diseases.
We pray also for politicians and those who work to build a world in which all have access to the basics for human life.
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.
