This is a difficult time in the life of our nations and the world.  Sadly, the Covid19 virus has led us all to reflect on our mortality.  When someone is nearing the end of their life, usually a Methodist Minister would offer to pray with them and their families.  Similarly the minister may offer prayers for the family after the death of a loved one.  With current restrictions in place, this may not be possible. Therefore we are providing materials adapted from the Methodist Worship Book that you can use in your own location.  There are no rules on how to use these prayers. Use them fully or in part as you feel appropriate.  If you wish to add something that comes from your own heart feel free to do so.

Prayers with the dying.

In some Christian Traditions, these prayers are known as the Last Rites.  Anyone can read the prayers including a member of the family, friend or carer.  You may prefer to play a video of these prayers to the person who is close to death. 

Prayers with the dying (Pdf)
Prayers with the dying (Word doc)
LARGE PRINT VERSION Prayers with the dying (Pdf)

Video of Prayers with the dying

Prayers to remember a loved one who has died

These prayers are usually offered with the loved ones of someone just after the person has died.  Anyone can read the prayers including a member of the family, friend or carer.  They can be read together or via a media link.  You may prefer to play a video and listen to it all together. You can find the links here

Prayers to remember a loved one who has died (Pdf)
Prayers to remember a loved one who has died (Word doc)
LARGE PRINT VERSION to remember a loved one who has died (Pdf)

Video of Prayers to remember a loved one who has died

Prayers when you can’t attend a funeral

Saying goodbye to someone you love is important.  The current social distancing restrictions mean that funerals cannot proceed in the normal way.  After the crisis, Methodist Ministers will offer memorial and thanksgiving services so that we might gather and remember those we have loved and lost.  In the meantime we offer these prayers to be read at home when a funeral is taking place.

Anyone can read the prayers including a member of the family, friend or carer.  They can be read together or via a media link.

At-home service if you can't get to a funeral (Pdf)
At-home service if you can't get to a funeral (Word)
LARGE PRINT VERSION At-home service if you can't get to a funeral (Pdf)

The basic thing to remember when it comes to prayer and saying goodbye to a loved one is that there is nothing you can do that is wrong.  God understands our pain and our difficulties at this time, and will accept our prayers, however imperfect that they may seem to us.  Your local Methodist Minister will always be willing to talk to you and offer advice if you are unsure of what to do or say.  Your nearest church link can be found here.                              

April 2020

These materials have been prepared for you by The Revd Paul Wood, the Interim Director of the Ministries Team for the Methodist Church