March 9 has been set as The Covid 19 National Day of Reflection.
We remember loved ones, family, friends and community members who we lost, and whom we deeply miss.
We recall the uncertainty and anxiety we experienced when people we care about deeply became ill.
We remember the medical staff, those who took risks for the sake of others, those who kept society going, and the spirit of neighbourliness, as well as the challenges and inequalities, of those many months.
The following short prayer follows the themes of Reflection, Connection and Hope, suggested by the Church of England to be adapted for each faith.
גַּ֤ם כִּֽי־אֵלֵ֨ךְ בְּגֵ֪יא צַלְמָ֡וֶת לֹא־אִ֘ירָ֤א רָ֗ע כִּי־אַתָּ֥ה עִמָּדִ֑י שִׁבְטְךָ֥ וּ֝מִשְׁעַנְתֶּ֗ךָ הֵ֣מָּה יְנַֽחֲמֻֽנִי׃
Though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death I shall fear no harm, for You are with me; Your rod and Your staff—they comfort me. (Psalm 23)
Reflection
God, You hold our destiny in your hands: our past, our present, our future. Be close to us now as we remember the Covid pandemic. 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.
Connection
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 reach out with thanks and gratitude to those around us. Deepen our commitment to care for one another with chesed, loving kindness. May we learn from the pandemic not to take for granted, but to value truly, those on whom our society depends.
Hope
God, Help us to live as people of hope. Be with those of us who are struggling in mind, body or spirit, and give courage to those of us facing uncertainty and change ahead. Give us resilience and strength of purpose, so that we work together to bring hope and healing to our societies and our world.
קַוֵּ֗ה אֶל־ה’ חֲ֭זַק וְיַאֲמֵ֣ץ לִבֶּ֑ךָ וְ֝קַוֵּ֗ה אֶל־ה’׃
Put your hope in God. Put strength and courage in your heart, and hope in God. (Psalm 27)
