Holding in Prayer those in our Province who have lost their lives to Coronavirus Copy
Updated 6th June
At Belfast Cathedral we hold to God's care, by thought and prayer, each person who has lost their life to Coronavirus COVID-19 in our Province. From official statistics, to the 6th June, this now numbers 537 people who have died in Northern Ireland hospitals. Including those who have died in a Care Home, Hospice or at home, up to 29th May, the figure stands at 757 people. Each person is someone precious to their family and circle of friends, to neighbours, perhaps to work colleagues past or present, and always to God.
In these current circumstances they may have died with no family member close. However, we thank God for the care and dedication, ministry and love of hospital or nursing home staff who have shared the precious final moments of life, with those they have cared for. As funeral services will be restricted with only a very small number present, we offer the prayers of the wider cathedral and church community in support of all who are grieving, and remembering someone special they have lost.
Although currently the names of those who have lost their lives to COVID-19 are known only to their close family and friends, we hope that the prayers below will give a place of shared memory and comfort to all who feel their loss most keenly:
Let us Pray:
O Lord our God, from whom neither life nor death can separate those who trust in you, whose love holds your children in this world and the next: So unite us to yourself, that in fellowship with you, we may always be united to those we have loved. And give us courage, constancy and hope for these days, through Him who died, and was buried and rose again for us, even Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
Bring us O God, at our last awakening into the house and gate of heaven, to enter that gate and dwell in that house, where there shall be no darkness nor dazzling, but one equal light, no noise nor silence but one equal music, no fears nor hopes, but one equal possession by God, no ends nor beginnings but one equal eternity, in the dwelling place of Your glory, and Your peace, for ever and ever. Amen
O Lord, support us all the day long of this troublous life, until the shades lengthen,and the evening comes, and the busy world is hushed, the fever of life is over and our work is done. Then, Lord, in your mercy grant us safe lodging, a holy rest and your peace at our last day, through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
And a prayer for ourselves and all who have made a sacrifice of caring for those we have lost:
Eyes of Jesus, look upon those we name in our hearts today, Lips of Jesus speak to them, Hands of Jesus bless them, Arms of Jesus enfold them, Feet of Jesus come to them, Heart of Jesus pour out your love for them, Even in Jesus' name we pray. Amen.
Stephen Forde (Dean)