National COVID-19 Day of Reflection

We’re supporting the National COVID-19 Day of Reflection on 9 March, to remember those who lost their lives and to stand together with those who are grieving. 2025 marks five years since the pandemic began and we continue to honour and remember those affected. The Department for Culture, Media and Sport will be leading on the event and have a new website with further details.

How can churches get involved?

  1. Include it in your notices and prayers on Sunday 9 March. See further down the page for Intercessions that use the key words – reflect, support hope. Please note that readings at the principal service on the First Sunday of Lent must be be those of the day rather than for any commemoration.
  2. Download the introductory pack for the COVID-19 Day of Reflection 2025 created by the Department for Culture, Media and Sport.
  3. Toll the church bell just after noon to mark the end of the minute’s silence.
  4. Find a selection of posters and ready-made images that you can post on social media, and template files for creating your own posts here
  5. Encourage people to phone or send a card to anyone who may feel bereaved.
  6. Involve your local school and encourage them to use the simple prayer at noon or mark a moment’s silence for those we have lost. Find out more on here
  7. Invite people to plant a seed, a bulb, a bush as a sign of hope.
  8. Contact your local media to see if you can go and talk about grief and loss: Our research shows that two-thirds of people definitely expect the church to be there for those who want to talk.
  9. Light a special candle at church and say the prayer – record it on your phone or tablet and share the film on social media.
  10. Light a candle online to remember a loved one.
  11. Open your church for private prayer on that day, if you are able.

Intercessions

Reflect

Loving God, 
You hold all our times in your hands: our past, our present, our future. Be close to us now as we remember the Covid pandemic. Be especially close to all of us who are thinking of someone we loved and knew, but see no longer, whether family, friend, colleague or neighbour. Help us to trust that they are at peace with you, and comfort us with your presence.

Connect

Loving God, 
You place us in families and communities, and we give you thanks for all those around us who serve us and help us in so many ways. Give wisdom to community leaders, to our schools, hospitals, care homes and other agencies who make a difference to our lives. Help each of us to have the courage to reach out with thanks and kindness to those around us and to speak words of faith as we share the good news of your love.

Hope

Loving God, 
Help us to live as people of hope, knowing that beyond the pain of the cross lies the joy of resurrection. Inspire us in our worship, through our churches and in our homes, that we may bring glory to you and joy to others. Be with those who are struggling in mind, body or spirit, and give courage to those who are facing uncertainty and change ahead. Help each of us to keep our eyes fixed on you, that we may reflect your light to all whom we meet.

Prayers

Dear God,
be with us as we think about all that has changed,
and help us to trust that you are always with us.
Be close to us as we remember those who have died,
and help us to trust they are at peace with you.
Show us how to reach out to others with kindness and care,
so that hope shines out in every heart and home,
Amen.
 
God of love,
as we think about all that has changed,
help us to trust that you are always with us.
As we remember those who have died,
help us to trust they are at peace with you.
As we reach out to others with kindness and care,
may hope shine out in every heart and home.
Amen.

Download an Act of Prayer

A short Act of Prayer for individuals or households can be downloaded as a PDF below:

Download Church Resources

Resources for churches to take part in the COVID-19 Day of Reflection 2025 provided by the Department for Culture, Media and Sport can be downloaded below: