National Day of Reflection Resources

17 Mar National Day of Reflection Resources

Posted at 20:47h in Christ Church Media by Christ Church 0 Comments

0 Likes

National Day of Reflection resources

National Day of Reflection is 23rd March. Organised by Marie Curie, the National Day of Reflection looks to reflect on our collective loss, support those who’ve been bereaved, and hope for a brighter future. You can access prayers and liturgical resources, as well as downloadable postcards and poster below.

How can churches get involved?

Include it in your notices and prayers on Sunday 21st. See further down the page for Intercessions that use the key words – reflect, support hope.
Put up posters in your community raising awareness.
Toll the church bell just after noon to mark the end of the minute’s silence.
Email or print off and send the prayer postcard to anyone and everyone to use at home on that day.
Encourage people to phone or send a card to anyone who may feel bereaved: Church of England research shows that 6 out of 10 adults have lost someone in the last year where they would have attended the funeral. 4 out of 10 say they have lost someone close to them.
Involve the local school and encourage them to use the simple prayer at noon or to colour daffodil cards and deliver them to a local care home. Find out more on the Marie Curie website.
Invite people to plant a seed, a bulb, a bush as a sign of hope.
Invite people to tie yellow ribbons to a prayer tree or railings as a sign of their prayer and support for all who are bereaved.
Contact your local media to see if you can go and talk about grief and loss: Our research shows that two-thirds of people definitely expect the church to be there for those who want to talk.
Light a special candle in the church and say the prayer – record it on your phone or tablet and share the film on social media.
Use the 8.00pm ‘share the light’ moment to light candles and lanterns in windows
Open your church for private prayer on that day, if you are able.

Intercessions

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.

Connect

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.

Prayers

Dear God,
Be with us as we think about all that has changed this year,
And help us to trust that you are always with us.
Be close to us as we remember those who have died,
And help us to trust they are at peace with you.
Show us how to reach out to others with kindness and care,
So that hope shines out in every heart and home,
Amen

God of Love,
As we think about all that has changed this year,
help us to trust that you are always with us.
As we remember those who have died,
help us to trust they are at peace with you.
As we reach out to others with kindness and care,
may hope shine out in every heart and home.
Amen

17 Mar National Day of Reflection Resources

No Comments