Prayers in the face of tragic loss








This weekend (10-11 May) there were tragic drowning accidents at Newport Quay, Co Mayo, and on Lough Swilly, Donegal. Also, a young Spanish student died in a road crash in Waterford. In our church services we prayed for the families and communities in their shock and grief. Here are some prayers (from the Church of Ireland's online resources), below, which may be helpful for us to use at home as well as when gathering.



Photo: 
Inishturk angel, at St Columba's Church




Prayers for Use in Cases of Sudden and Unexpected Death

God of hope,
we come to you in shock and grief and confusion of heart.
Help us to find peace in the knowledge
of your loving mercy to all your children,
and give us light to guide us out of our darkness
into the assurance of your love,
in Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.



For the Bereaved

God our strength and our redeemer:
you do not leave us in this life
nor abandon us in death.
Hear our prayer for those in despair,
when days are full of darkness
and the future seems empty of hope.
Renew in them your sustaining strength
for we believe that there is nothing in all creation
that can separate us from your love
in Christ Jesus our Lord. Amen.



Most merciful God,
whose wisdom is beyond our understanding,
surround the family of N with your love,
that they may not be overwhelmed by their loss,
but have confidence in your love,
and strength to meet the days to come.
We ask this through Christ our Lord. Amen.



God of compassion,
in your tender love for us,
comfort and strengthen those who mourn today.
Take away any feeling of guilt and ease the burden of regret.
Keep them in your care and help them
to renew their lives in a spirit of trust.
We ask this, through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.



When a Young Person Dies

Lord God,
we grieve over the loss of …
and struggle to understand his/her death.
Draw him/her to yourself
and give him/her fullness of life in Christ.
May he/she join all the angels and saints,
who know your love and saving will. Amen.



For a Person Who Died Suddenly (Accidentally or Violently)

Lord our God, you are always faithful and true.
N. was suddenly (or violently) taken from us.
Draw near to all who mourn his/her loss …. .
Comfort his/her family and friends
with the power and protection of the cross
and the assurance of eternal life,
through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.



Lord, bless us with your enabling love.
Heal our brokenness, that we may be true signs of that love.
As you send us out from this place,
be our constant companion.
Guide us in our efforts to better serve our neighbours,
and those who struggle with this life
along with all who love and support them.
Help us to share the life–giving power of your love
that those in need may experience your steadfast compassion.


Bless, guide and heal us, now and always
in the name of Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.



God of all mystery,
whose ways are beyond understanding,
lead us, who grieve at this untimely death,
to a new and deeper faith in your love,
which brought your only Son Jesus
through death into resurrection life.
We make our prayer in Jesus’ name. Amen.




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