DYING MATTERS AWARENESS WEEK (May 2026) The mission of Dying Matters is to break down the stigma and taboo of talking about death and dying. Every year, people around the UK use Dying Matters Awareness Week to encourage communities to get talking in whatever way, shape or form works for them. This year, the focus of the week is on how we feel, talk about, and deal with death and dying – and what brings us together. Studies show that there are no scientific differences in grieving regardless of race, age or religion. This is even though there are many differences in the ways that cultures and faiths approach and mark death and dying. A friend or family member’s death can affect every person differently, we can all feel the impact of the loss, helplessness, sadness – but we may do it, and show it, in different ways. So whilst we may all talk about death and dying in a multitude of ways, we do share a common thread. For, at their core, feelings about dying, and our experiences of grief, are universal emotions that we all share, no matter who we are or where we live or what we believe.
Introduction: As we commemorate the anniversary of Victory in Europe, we recall that on this day the sounds of war fell silent.Let us pray: Lord, as we remember, we call to mind our need of your God’s forgiveness – Lord have mercy. Cast out our sin of dominating others - Christ have mercy. Heal us from the desires that leads us into conflict with others and cause war between nations. Lord have mercy.Reading from Micah 4 v1-4 (NRSV): In days to come the mountain of the LORD’s house shall be established as the highest of the mountains, and shall be raised up above the hills. Peoples shall stream to it, and many nations shall come and say: “Come, let us go up to the mountain of the LORD, to the house of the God of Jacob; that he may teach us his ways and that we may walk in his paths.” For out of Zion shall go forth instruction, and the word of the LORD from Jerusalem. He shall judge between many peoples, and shall arbitrate between strong nations far away; they shall beat their swords into plough shares, and their spears into pruning hooks; nation shall not lift up sword against nation, neither shall they learn war anymore; but they shall all sit under their own vines and under their own fig trees, and no one shall make them afraid; for the mouth of the LORD of hosts has spoken.Reflection: This reading tells us that God promises that one day there will be a time of enduring peace. A peace that lasts forever. I hope for that time on earth and believe that time will be in heaven.Today we Remember: We remember the many people who gave their lives to restrain evil and oppose tyranny. We remember soldiers, sailors, and airmen who gave their lives that others may live. We remember all those who were hurt and maimed. Thanksgiving prayer: Lord, we give you thanks for the sacrifices of the past. We give you thanks for recent years of peace. We give you thanks for all who help, encourage and comfort others. We give you thanks for all who work for the relief of the needy. We give you thanks for all who work for peace and the welfare of all nations. Offering of ourselves: Lord, we offer ourselves to you, to serve you: in the cause of peace, for the relief of suffering and for praise of your name. Teach us the ways of peace and the ways of hope. Guide us by your Spirit, lend us your wisdom, give to us courage and keep us faithful now and in the years to come. Amen. Lord’s prayer: Our Father, who art in heaven, hallowed be thy Name. Thy Kingdom come. Thy will be done on earth, as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread. And forgive us our trespasses, as we forgive them that trespass against us. And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil. For thine is the kingdom, the power, and the glory, for ever and ever. Amen.Prayer of Blessing: God grant to the living, grace; to the departed, rest; to the Church, the Monarch, the Commonwealth and all people, your gift of peace and concord; and to us and all your servants, life everlasting; and the blessing of God almighty, Father, Son, and Holy Spirit, come down upon us and remain with us always.
Join the global wave of prayer between Ascension and Pentecost in which Christians from many denominations pray for more people to come to know the love and peace of Jesus Christ. You are invited to take part during May for 10 days and to do so in your own way. We hope you do because you will be joining in with Christians from churches from over 85 different denominations and traditions in over 172 countries around the world.
EASTEROpening Prayer Grace to you and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ. Alleluia, Christ is risen. He is risen indeed, Alleluia.A Thought for today Today we reflect on the early morning of the third day after Jesus’ death. The sealed tomb was open. Jesus’ body was gone. Men in dazzling white said Jesus was not here. Later a range of people met with a risen Jesus who they did not at first recognise. This is not a myth - it is the witness testimony of people who were there. Testimony handed to us so that we too may believe. Easter Prayer Lord of all life and power, who through the mighty resurrection of Jesus overcame the old order of sin and death: make all things new in him and grant that we may reign with him in glory by becoming dead to sin and alive in Jesus. AMENPrayer of blessing May the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ and the Love of God and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit be with us all, now and evermore. Amen.Closing Note: This message is sent to you with love and prayers as: a word of encouragement and a sign of hope in these quite extraordinary times.
