Prayers for care workers & hospital staff
Prayers at the time of Covid19 for those who are caring and for those who are suffering.God of compassion, be close to those who are ill, afraid or in isolation. For those who are illMerciful God, we entrust to your tender care those who are ill or in pain, knowing that whenever danger threatens your everlasting arms are there to hold them safe. Comfort and heal them, and restore them to health and strength; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen. For hospital staff and medical researchersGracious God, give skill, sympathy and resilience to all who are caring for the sick, and your wisdom to those searching for a cure. Strengthen them with your Spirit, that through their work many will be restored to health; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
From one who is ill or isolatedO God, help me to trust you, help me to know that you are with me, Barbara Glasson, President of the Methodist Conference A Prayer for the FrontlinersHeavenly Father, thank You for the frontliners caring for, protecting, and serving our communities, our families, and us. Thank You for these servant leaders, called to this work, trained for such a time as this, daily risking their own health and safety for others. Please protect them from harm. Give them courage and strength. Draw close, Lord, and let them feel Your presence throughout the long hours they are working. Father, please provide everything they need, both for the people they are serving and for their loved ones. Surround them with people who will help and support them and their families, even as they selflessly care for others. You said we would face troubles in this world, but also that they would not be more than we could bear. Please work together with our frontliners, Lord, to ultimately bring about the best outcome possible. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.
Protection Prayer from Lorica (or 'Breastplate') attributed to Patrick, prob. c.8th century amended Vanda Perrett 28/4/2020I arise today through a mighty strength, the invocation of the Trinity, I arise today from my home, my place of safety I don’t know what I shall face, who will need me today I need help God, help to be present to those in dire need I need help Lord God, to make life and death decisions As I dress with my protective scrubs As I don my mask As I put on my plastic gloves, As I tie on my apron As I step into my workplace with my colleagues At the end of my shift, in the tiredness and sadness Thank you, Lord of life, king of kings, Jesus the healer, thank you for being with me today, and your breastplate of protection surrounding me. Keep us all under your protection that we may dwell in your love for ever. Amen. John Birch’s Prayers for the Covid19 PandemicBless all who work in stressful situations; healthcare, teaching, law enforcement, social services and other occupations where patience, love and perseverance can wear thin, and daily stress levels rise. Keep them safe and keep them well, equipped to follow their vocation For all whose day starts with anxiety, as they leave the security of home worrying about the risk of infection; particularly those whose health or age classifies them as vulnerable. Loving God, be close, keep them safe, along with all whose tasks today includes the care of frail and elderly. And for all of us, grant wisdom to make sensible choices, not just for ourselves, but for everybody. Amen. Dear Lord, let us not forget our neighbours at this time. Not just those who live close but in the wider community who are elderly, vulnerable, and very much isolated from the world outside their door. May they know they are loved through our actions and care, and in their loneliness know your presence, healing, and peace. Amen. Prayer by the Archbishop of York, John Sentamu.Loving God, We remember all those who have died Prayers at the Time of DeathJohn 14.1-6 Jesus said to his disciples: 'Do not let your hearts be troubled. Believe in God, believe also in me. In my Father's house there are many dwelling places. If it were not so, would I have told you that I go to prepare a place for you? And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again and will take you to myself, so that where I am, there you may be also. And you know the way to the place where I am going.' Thomas said to him, 'Lord, we do not know where you are going. How can we know the way?' Jesus said to him, 'I am the way, and the truth, and the life. Our Father, which art in heaven, hallowed be thy name, thy kingdom come Thy will be done on earth as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread. Forgive us our trespasses as we forgive those who trespass against us. And lead us not into temptation but deliver us from evil, For thine is the kingdom, the power and the glory forever and ever Amen. Twenty Third Psalm King James Version1The LORD is my shepherd; I shall not want. 2He maketh me to lie down in green pastures: he leadeth me beside the still waters. 3He restoreth my soul: he leadeth me in the paths of righteousness for his name's sake. 4Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil: for thou art with me; thy rod and thy staff they comfort me. 5Thou preparest a table before me in the presence of mine enemies: thou anointest my head with oil; my cup runneth over. 6Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life: and I will dwell in the house of the LORD for ever.
We can trust and believe in God to be with us in the depths of our grieving, to be our companion in the troubles of our living, and to be our guide in our journey to new life in heaven. Believe in God and we shall never be overcome, or alone. He did not say: You will not be troubled, you will not be belaboured, you will not be afflicted; but he said: You will not be overcome. Mother Julian of Norwich
Hallow and sanctify this place as the holy space where you, our loving God, met with your child to bring them home to heaven with you. We thank you that you are a loving God who holds all souls in life eternal. Bring your comfort and peace to all who pass this place that they may know your presence and peace. Give courage to those who mourn that they may believe in your promises, trust in your love and live in your peace. May the road rise up to meet you, Farewell My Friends TagoreIt was beautiful as long as it lasted, the journey of my life, |