Cathedrals have released a prayer for the nation as the country prepares for tighter restrictions in the fight against the spread of the Coronavirus to help save lives and protect the NHS.
Cathedrals share a prayer for the nation as we prepare for tougher restrictions amid a rising infection rate
And on Sunday, all Church of England cathedrals will pray for the healing of the nation and all those oppressed as they mark the Feast of St Luke, the patron saint of medicine and healing, and national Anti-Slavery Day.
They are asking people to send in their prayer requests to their cathedral, join them where they are by using the prayer or lighting a candle for the NHS, their local hospital, GP, frontline and social care workers and all those vulnerable and oppressed.
The Very Revd Adrian Dorber, Dean of Lichfield and Chair of the Association of English Cathedrals said:
“As the country goes into a period of tougher restrictions with the rise in Covid infections, Cathedrals offer their constant prayers for the people most directly affected: for national life as we re-enter tough times, for all researchers and health care professionals seeking to develop a vaccine and treat those with the virus, and for all decision-makers making hard decisions about public health and our economic well-being.
“Every cathedral welcomes prayer requests; as we celebrate St Luke’s day on October 18th, the patron saint of medicine and healing, we will be focussing our prayer on health and an end to all forms of oppression as we stand together keeping the day for the healing of the nation and as a stand against modern slavery.”
Prayer for the Nation
Loving God,
your Son Jesus Christ came that we might have life and have it abundantly;
pour out your blessing upon our nation;
where there is illness,
bring your healing touch;
where there is fear,
strengthen us with the knowledge of your presence;
where there is uncertainty,
build us up in faith;
where there is denial,
lead us into truth;
where there is discord,
may we know the harmony of your love;
this we ask in Jesus’ name.
Amen.
