Faith & Worship

"The Lord is near to the brokenhearted and saves the crushed in spirit." (Psalm 34:18)

"Blessed are those who mourn, for they shall be comforted." (Matthew 5:4)

"He will wipe away every tear from their eyes, and death shall be no more, neither shall there be mourning, nor crying, nor pain anymore, for the former things have passed away." (Revelation 21:4)

 "Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil, for you are with me; your rod and your staff, they comfort me." (Psalm 23:4)

"'Though the mountains be shaken and the hills be removed, yet my unfailing love for you will not be shaken nor my covenant of peace be removed,' says the LORD, who has compassion on you. " (Isaiah 54:10)

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Loving God we pray for the many
who in recent times have known loss,
of partner, family member, friend,
and now they look ahead with tears,
struggling to see beyond their grief.
Be close, embrace them in your arms
and give them both peace and hope.
This life is a gift, memories remain,
and no one is forgotten by you, Lord.

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Bless those who mourn
the death of relative or friend
and feel that with this loss
their lives are incomplete.
Bless those who mourn,
and fill these empty hearts
with pleasant memories,
the sound of laughter,
sunshine and happier days.
Bless those who mourn,
and heal their brokenness
with the soothing balm
of your gentle touch,
that they might know
shalom, wholeness, peace.

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We pray for all whose lives
have been touched by tragedy,
whether by accident
or a deliberate act.
For those who mourn,
immerse them in your love
and lead them through this darkness
into your arms, and light.
For those who comfort,
be in both the words they use
and all that's left unspoken;
fill each heart with love.
We ask this through Jesus Christ,
whose own suffering brought us life,
here and for eternity. Amen

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God of love and mercy,
embrace all those
whose hearts today
overflow with grief,
unanswered questions
and such a sense of loss.
Grant them space
to express their tears.
Hold them close
through the coming days.

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For all those who woke this morning
to the loneliness of bereavement -
the empty bed or chair,
an unaccustomed quietness,
a life now incomplete -
may they know your presence
in the stillness of the day,
and through the love of friends
who offer their condolence.
And in the darker moments
may they reach out to hold your hand
and feel the warmth of the One
who has already passed from death to life
to welcome others into God’s Kingdom.

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Thank you for the remembrance
of loved ones no longer with us;
for their inspiring words,
encouragement,
love and support,
an example for us to follow.
May their legacy be seen
in the people we have become,
and may we always be thankful.

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Thank you for the lives
of all those loved ones
who, whilst no longer
walking beside us
or holding our hand
along life’s journey
as once they did, live on
in the collective memory
of those they have left behind.
Enjoy their company, Loving God
until we shall meet again. Amen.

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Embrace in your loving arms
all who are grieving the loss
of family and loved ones
through tragic circumstance;
where lives are in turmoil,
hope turns to despair
and pain is all that’s felt.
Be with them in their sorrow,
uphold them with your strength,
and through the generosity
of love shown by others
and your presence within their hearts
may they know they are not alone,
in their struggle through today.

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Bring comfort to those
coming to terms
with the unexpected
loss of a loved one.
Bring healing to those
alive but broken
by serious injuries
and related trauma.
Bring unity to those
working for peace
and understanding
between communities.
Bring your warmth
to those whose hearts
are cold and empty,
and bring your blessing
on all who in such times
are there to share your love.