Collective Worship and Spiritual Support

Prayers 

Death of a Child 

Heavenly Father, at present we can only feel the loss of [name].  We want to be strong and we want to understand why s/he is no longer with us.  We pray that [name] is safe in your arms, in your heavenly kingdom.  Help us to remember what s/he meant to us and what s/he left behind – the laugh, the smile, the favourite comment.  Bring us happy memories in the tears.  Bring [name] the peace only you can give, Lord of love and mercy.  We ask this in Jesus’ name.  Amen.  Rupert Bristow 

And/or

Heavenly Father, We give thanks for the life of [name] for the smiles, the fun and the friendships s/he brought to our lives. Through our tears we ask, Lord, that as s/he is welcomed into your loving arms s/he also stays in our hearts. S/he will always be special to . [name] school and to [name] Church. Help us all, family, friends and community, to say farewell to [name] but never to forget him/her.  We ask this in Jesus’ Name.  Amen.  Rupert Bristow 

Death of a Teacher 

Almighty God, you know that it will be difficult for us at [name] school without [name].  Bring us the strength and hope to carry on, as s/he would have wished.  We thank you, Lord, for the special gifts s/he brought to this school and shared with us.  May the church and the wider community give thanks for her/his contribution to the life of [name village/town] and may we redouble our own efforts to serve each other, in honour of her/his memory.  We ask this through Jesus Christ, our Lord.  Amen.  Rupert Bristow 

Prayer for a grieving family  

Abba Father, You hold time within your hands, and see it all, from beginning to end. Please keep and carry these precious people in their sadness and loss. Cover them with your great wings of love, give their weary hearts rest and their minds sound sleep. Lord, lift their eyes so that they may catch a glimpse of eternity, and be comforted by the promise of heaven. We ask all this in the precious name of Jesus. Amen. 

Suitable Bible Verses 

“Blessed are those who mourn, for they shall be comforted.” Matthew 5:4 

“I am always with you.” Psalm 73:23 

“God will wipe away every tear.” Revelation 21:4 

“You will feel safe because there is hope.” Job 11:18 

“Love bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things.  Love never ends.” Corinthians 13:7-8 

“The Lord is close to the broken-hearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit.” Psalm 34:18 

“So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God.  I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.” Isaiah 41:10 

“For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life.” John 3:16 

“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 

“There is a time for everything and a season for every activity under the heaves: a time to be born and a time to die, a plant and a time to uproot, a time to tear down and a time to build, a time to weep and a time to laugh, a time to mourn and a time to dance…” Ecclesiastes 3:14 

“Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest.  Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls.  For my yoke is easy and my burden is light.” Matthew 11:28-30