The news of our Prime Minister’s illness reminds us, starkly, of the great crisis affecting us all, young and old.

In our feelings of helplessness, let us, each one of us, use today to pray earnestly to God for all those caught up in this dark time for our country and our world:

 

- For all those suffering from Covid-19 and other illnesses

- for all those ministering to the sick

- for our Prime Minister and his family

- for all those in positions of leadership

- for all those who, in often unseen and unsung ways, are helping and supporting us all at this time.

 

Words often fail us, but for me, this prayer, derived from St Augustine, from the fifth century, has so often spoken to me, and brought comfort: 

Watch, O Lord, with those who wake, or watch, or weep today,
and give your angels and saints charge over us all.
Tend your sick ones, O Lord Christ.
Rest your weary ones.
Bless your dying ones.
Soothe your suffering ones.
Pity your afflicted ones.
and all for your love's sake. Amen.

Michael Tavinor,  Dean