Prayer to mark the 5th anniversary of the outbreak of the Covid pandemic in the UK

Holy God, you are worthy of all praise, in times of sorrow and loss as well as in times of joy and celebration.

As we recall and mark 5 years since the outbreak of the Covid pandemic in the UK we hold before you

All who died, often without contact with those they loved most dearly

All who mourned under restriction and limits

All who died in care homes, those who gave birth alone and all those who lost their jobs and livelihoods.

We give you thanks for the selfless care of so many in the NHS and care sectors and local services who supported and upheld us at great cost to themselves.

We thank you for all we have learned as a consequence of all that was endured;

the importance of relationships, the value of touch and face to face contact, and access to green spaces and fresh air.

We pray for all those who live with the impact of long covid, for children and young people whose lives were impacted in so many ways, and for local churches.

Hold us in your love and care, God of love, now and forever. Amen