Weekly reflection
26th January 2021
It was recently announced that Coronavirus deaths in the UK are now expected to have surpassed 100,000. This is an astonishing figure and a reminder that we are not yet done with this terrible pandemic. We also need to remember that each of these 100,000 victims have their own story to tell. They were grandparents, aunts and uncles, fathers and mothers, brothers and sisters, partners and friends.
Why not spend a few moments seeking God's presence, remembering His promises and bringing your prayers for everyone affected in this sad and troubling time.
Rev Sean Swindells
Cruden Parish Church
Resources for reflection and prayer
Bible Readings
Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid. (John14: 27)
Even though I walk through the darkest valley, I will fear no evil, for you are with me; your rod and your staff, they comfort me. (Psalm 23:4)
For I am the Lord your God who takes hold of your right hand and says to you, Do not fear; I will help you. (Isaiah 41: 13)
Prayers
A prayer for those who mourn
Gracious God,
as we remember before you the thousands who have died,
surround us and all who mourn with your strong compassion.
Be gentle with us in our grief,
protect us from despair,
and give us grace to persevere
and face the future with hope
in Jesus Christ our risen Lord.
Amen.
(The Anglican Church)
God's healing hand
To our brothers and sisters who have contracted
and are suffering due to the Coronavirus Disease,
we pray that God’s healing hand may rest upon you.
To medical doctors, nurses and the supporting staff
who are in the frontline f the fight against COVID-19,
may the Good Lord sustain you and inspire you
to render your life-saving services with due care, love and compassion.
To all those who have lost their loved ones due to the Coronavirus outbreak, we convey our deepest sympathies.
We pray that their souls, through God’s mercy, may rest in eternal peace.We pray that God may grant all bereaved families his consolation and strengthen their faith and hope in Jesus Christ, the Risen Lord.
Amen.
We cry out to you
God of all,
we cry out to you for help.
In your mercy, hear our prayer.
Protect us, Lord, and be with us
especially those of us most vulnerable
during this coronavirus crisis.
Move us to reach out in love
to our neighbours near and far.
So that the humble may be exalted,
the hungry filled with good things.
Grant us the courage
not to rush back to our old ways,
but to rebuild our world together,
creating foundations of justice,
with equality and peace for all.
Amen.
(Prayer: Catherine Gorman)
A Prayer for the end of the virus
Almighty and merciful Father, who show your love to all your creation.
We come before you asking for a quick control of the Coronavirus currently ravaging our world.
Hear graciously the prayers we make for those affected by the virus in various parts of the world.
Grant healing to the sick, eternal life to the dead and consolation to the bereaved families.
We pray that an effective medicine to combat the sickness be speedily found.
We pray for the relevant governments and health authorities that they take appropriate steps for the good of the people.
Amen