Prayer for the Covid 19 Day of Reflection

Covid 19 Day of Reflection

Dear <<First Name>>

The UK Government has asked people to use Sunday 9th March as a day to reflect on Covid 19 as we approach the 5th anniversary of the first lockdown.  This is one of the ten recommendations set out by the UK Commission on Covid Commemoration.  It is suggested people observe the day in whatever way is helpful for them given the immense complexity of emotions that we have around Covid 19.

The URC offers the following prayer which may be used in private or public worship.
 

Prayer for Covid Anniversary 

Has it really been 5 years Lord? 

5 years since lockdown, fear, heroic NHS staff, and a daily death toll on the news? 

5 years since panic, uncertainty, and incompetence mixed with dedication, unity, and scientific ingenuity? 

5 years since law breaking was contrasted so strongly with law keeping? 

It feels so much further away than just 5 years. 

We’ve seen several different prime ministers and a different monarch; there again we’ve got the same US president back! 

The homeless have been returned to the streets  – seems it was too expensive to keep on supporting them after all, 

politicians are busy rewriting history, seeking to influence which lessons are to be learnt...and we live with the trauma.   

So, we remember before you Lord those who have died,  

those whose lives are still wounded with grief and long Covid and those who gave their lives through caring. 

We give thanks for doctors and scientists who found a vaccine so quickly, 

for advisors and planners who got the vaccine delivered so well, 

and for those who devised treatments to relieve suffering. 

But Lord, we’re left with the pandemic’s legacy –  

unanswered questions, unresolved grief, and unaddressed anger 

which sit alongside our gratitude and admiration.  

We wonder, Lord, what we can learn from the pandemic, 

whether we’re ready to hold to account  

   those who failed to plan,  

   those who could not lead with integrity,  

   those who profiteered from suffering, and  

   those who evaded justice.   

We’re left wondering how to deal with both the trauma and the memories, 

and, most of all, Lord we wonder if we’re any better prepared for the next one. 

So give us your wisdom, Lord,  

that we can navigate these times, and our memories,  

with honesty, grace, and the ability to bring change, Amen. 

________

I hope you find the URC’s prayer useful.

With every good wish

Andy

The Rev’d Andy Braunston
Minister for Digital Worship