Since the first lockdown began in 2020, hundreds of thousands of people have died worldwide. Too many lives have been cut short and millions have been bereaved. Behind the statistics and whatever the cause, every death has been devastating for the people left behind.
On 23 March 2023, let’s all come together for the third UK National Day of Reflection. This unique day is an opportunity to remember our loved ones who’ve died; support family, friends, colleagues and neighbours who are grieving; and connect with each other.
We’ll all feel grief during our lives, and millions of us across the UK – adults as well as children – are feeling it right now. Marie Curie research shows that the pain of grief can be even more acute when you’re grieving alone, something lots of us were forced to do during the pandemic.
This is why we’re all coming together once again to offer emotional support during a minute’s silence at noon, around a nationwide network of Walls of Reflection, and in a series of grief-themed online programmes on the day. Will you join us?
Let’s all share our compassion, love and active support so that no one has to grieve alone. Visit mariecurie.org.uk/day-of-reflection to find out more, or call the Marie Curie Support Line on 0800 090 2309 for practical and emotional support about grief and bereavement, whatever your situation.
There will be a national minute’s silence at 12.00 noon on Thursday 23 March 2023 to create a moment that shows support for those who have been bereaved. People are also asked to connect with someone who is grieving. That might mean sending a card, a message, some flowers or calling someone for a chat.
These prayers might also be helpful:
Reflect
Loving God,
You hold all our times in your hands, our past, our present, our future. Be close to us now as we remember all the difficulties and disappointments of the past year. Be especially close to all of us who are thinking of someone we loved and knew, but see no longer, whether family, friend, colleague or neighbour. Help us to trust that they are at peace with you, and comfort us with your presence.
Support
Loving God,
You place us in families and communities, and we give you thanks for all those around us who serve us and help us in so many ways. Give wisdom to community leaders, to our schools, hospitals, care homes and other agencies who make a difference to our lives. Help each of us to have the courage to reach out with thanks and kindness to those around us and to speak words of faith as we share the good news of your love.
Hope
Loving God,
As we journey towards Easter, help us to live as people of hope, knowing that beyond the pain of the cross lies the joy of resurrection. Inspire us in our worship, through our churches and in our homes, that we may bring glory to you and joy to others. Be with those who are struggling in mind, body or spirit, and give courage to those who are facing uncertainty and change ahead. Help each of us to keep our eyes fixed on you, that we may reflect your light to all whom we meet.
A Prayer for all those affected by coronavirus
Keep us, good Lord,
under the shadow of your mercy
in this time of uncertainty and distress.
Sustain and support the anxious and fearful,
and lift up all who are brought low;
that we may rejoice in your comfort
knowing that nothing can separate us
from your love in Jesus Christ our Lord.
Amen.
A Prayer for all 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.
A Prayer remembering the departed
Lord of all, we praise you
for all whom we love but see no longer,
who have entered into their rest.
Give us grace to follow in their footsteps
as they followed in the way of your Son.
Thank you for the memory of those you have called to yourself:
by each memory, turn our hearts from things seen
to things unseen,
and lead us till we come to the eternal rest
you have prepared for your people,
through Jesus Christ our Lord.
Amen.
revPACman 