Here’s a prayer from my book Intercessions for a Hurting World, adapted to include victims of Covid-19 – which, in a very real sense includes us all – alongside others who are sick and suffering.
For the sick and suffering
Lord of all,
we remember today those who are sick.
We think of those suffering from minor illnesses,
not serious or life threatening,
but nonetheless unpleasant,
dragging the sufferer down
and undermining their health and happiness.
We remember especially in a moment of quietness those
known to us.
Pause for silent reflection
Bring help.
Bring healing.
We think of those with more serious conditions –
waiting perhaps for a diagnosis or operation,
wrestling with acute or chronic conditions,
coming to terms with cancer or the onset of dementia,
facing the prospect of aggressive and debilitating treatment
or a long and gradual decline.
Again, we pause to remember those known to us.
Pause for silent reflection
Bring help.
Bring healing.
We think of those who are terminally ill,
confronted by the stark reality of death,
fearful of what they might have to endure
and grieving at the prospect of leaving loved ones behind –
desperately hoping against hope that some new treatment
might be found.
We pause again to remember those we know in special
need at this time.
Pause for silent reflection
Bring help.
Bring healing.
We think of those whose lives have been overturned during this past year
by Covid-19;
those who have suffered and died,
those who still struggle with the after-effects of the illness;
those who have lost loved ones as a result;
those in our hospitals and health centres
exhausted by the demands made upon them;
those who have developed vaccines and treatments,
or who continue to work upon them,
and those whose job it is to organise and roll out the vaccination programme.
those in governments and positions in leadership,
seeking to take right decisions for the present and the future;
those whose livelihoods have been undermined,
even destroyed,
by the economic impact of lockdowns and the like;
those facing years of unemployment
and an uncertain future,
as a result of the pandemic’s impact.
Pause for silent reflection
Bring help.
Bring healing.
We think of those who minister to the sick:
GPs and health professionals,
doctors and nurses,
surgeons and consultants,
together with all who seek to minister to mind
as well as body,
offering emotional and practical support.
Through their work bring relief and comfort,
strength and succour,
health and wholeness.
Pause for silent reflection
Bring help.
Bring healing.
Amen.