Prayers for Coronavirus

All our cathedrals are working hard to adhere to the latest advice and guidelines from the Government, Public Health and the Church of England to ensure everyone’s safety and to minimise the risk of spreading the Coronavirus.

Check your local cathedral’s website for specific arrangements they have made for worship and visits. Some are making services available to stream online for those who cannot attend. St Edmundsbury Cathedral are doing just that. You can find the online links to their services here.

We will keep this page as up to date as possible as information becomes available.

We will will also provide links to Coronavirus COVID-19 guides and advice. Here is the latest Coronavirus advice from the Church of England. And of course the National Health Service (NHS Coronavirus).

And prayers. We’ll post all the Cathedral Coronavirus Prayers here too.

Wakefield Cathedral – Coronavirus Prayer

Keep us, good Lord,
under the shadow of your mercy
in this time of uncertainty and distress.
Sustain and support the anxious and fearful,
and lift up all who are brought low;
that we may rejoice in your comfort
knowing that nothing can separate us from your love
in Christ Jesus our Lord.
Amen

Norwich Cathedral – Coronavirus Prayer

God of compassion,
have mercy upon this nation and our world
in this time of fear and confusion:
we bring before you those who are suffering from the Coronavirus;
the aged and those who are most vulnerable
and for all who tend to their needs;
we pray for those who are now in isolation;
may know your comfort and company
and that those around them may truly love their neighbour
by prayer and in works of care and kindness;
we pray for health professionals, doctors, nurses and hospital support staff
as they answer their vocation under increasing pressure;
and we pray for those upon whose shoulders
the yoke of leadership rests,
that in their conversation and communication
your still small voice may be heard;
we ask this in the power of the Holy Spirit,
through the One who stretched out his hands to bless and to heal
even Jesus Christ our Lord.
Amen

Bristol Cathedral – COVID-19 Coronavirus Prayer

Keep us, good Lord,
under the shadow of your mercy.
Sustain and support the anxious,
be with those
who care for the sick,
and lift up all who are brought low;
that we may find comfort
knowing that nothing
can separate us from your love
in Christ Jesus our Lord.
Amen

Canterbury Cathedral – Prayer

Almighty God,
healer of the sick and strength of the weak,
look with mercy on all those who suffer at this time.
Bring healing to those who are sick,
bring peace to those who are anxious,
bring strength to those who care for them,
and bring wisdom to our leaders
that our whole society may journey together through this difficult time
with determination and generosity,
through Jesus Christ our Lord.   Amen

All cathedrals – Association of English Cathedrals

God, as I enter this holy place,
I bring into your presence the bewilderment and uncertainty engulfing our world.
As I light a candle of hope,
I pray that my anxiety may soften.
I ask for calm, not only for myself, but for all people.
Give us all a spirit of love and compassion in this time of need,
and for all who are sick, isolated and afraid, embrace them with the assurance of your peace and love.
Amen

Winchester Cathedral, Very Revd Catherine Ogle 

God of healing and hope, may this time of danger
by your Holy Spirit, bring out the best and not the worst in us.
Show us the ways in which we can share faith and love,
while standing at a distance,
and honour our connection with one another,
and with you,
through Jesus Christ our Saviour,
Amen

Southwark Cathedral – A Prayer in Lockdown

The doors of the house where the disciples had met were locked. (John 20.19)

Ever present God,
be with us in our isolation,
be close to us in our distancing,
be healing in our sickness,
be joy in our sadness,
be light in our darkness,
be wisdom in our confusion,
be all that is familiar when all is unfamiliar,
that when the doors reopen
we may with the zeal of Pentecost
inhabit our communities
and speak of your goodness
to an emerging world.
For Jesus’ sake.
Amen

Prayer for Frontline Workers in the Health and Care Service

Canon Clare MacLaren, Newcastle Cathedral

God of all wholeness and healing,
we thank you with all our hearts
for those who are working
with selfless skill and dedication
to sustain our National Health Service.
Grant that they may receive
the resources they require
to meet the demands that each day brings.
Keep them safe and healthy while at work,
and bless their families and loved ones at home. Amen.

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