These prayers are intended to encourage those in great pain and those ready to die, and their companions. For more information on The United Church of Canada’s theological understanding of medically assisted dying, as well as links to more resources, see the General Council Library.
Music
- We Are Not Alone (SATB) (Pat Mayberry/David Kai) (1.16 MB) (PDF): Short SATB piece with piano accompaniment suitable for use during a funeral, memorial service, or other appropriate times during a worship service. Lyrics from the United Church's A New Creed. Please credit Music: Pat Mayberry; Arrangement: David Kai and report to One License / Licensing.
Related Material
- Pain, Dying, and Our Understanding of God (32.95 KB) (Word): Some explanation of the theology behind the prayers above.
- Prayer after a Loved One Has Died by Medical Means (32.19 KB) (Word): For the loved ones of someone who has died.
- Prayer after the Unexpected, Devastating Diagnosis of a Loved One (26.2 KB) (Word): For the loved ones of someone who will soon die.
- Prayer at the Time of Deciding on the Day and Place of Death (25.75 KB) (Word): For the person who has chosen medically assisted dying.
- Prayer at the Time of Increasing Struggle with Illness (32.75 KB) (Word): For someone who is struggling to cope.
- Prayer Following the Decision by a Suffering Person to End Their Life (26.06 KB) (Word): For the loved ones of someone who has chosen to end their life.
- Prayer for Living Fully in the Dying Days (32.2 KB) (Word): For a person who is dying and their family and friends.
- Prayer in the Midst of Fear (32.99 KB) (Word): For someone who is dying and afraid, and who has decided to seek medical aid in dying.
- Prayer in Time of Remission (31.74 KB) (Word): For a person whose illness is in remission and is grateful but may still be anxious.
- Prayer of a Medical Professional (32.1 KB) (Word): For medical professionals going to hear the request of a patient to end their life.
- Prayer of a Person in Constant Pain 1 (32.31 KB) (Word): For someone who is enduring constant pain.
- Prayer of a Person in Constant Pain 2 (32.67 KB) (Word): For someone enduring constant pain who knows they will die.
- Prayer to Be Offered with Children (25.96 KB) (Word): For the children of a parent or guardian who will soon die.
- Prayer When Cancer Treatment Is Troubling and Prolonged 1 (32.36 KB) (Word): For someone whose death is certain.
- Prayer When Cancer Treatment Is Troubling and Prolonged 2 (32.05 KB) (Word): For someone whose death is uncertain.
- Prayer When Illness Returns (32.75 KB) (Word): For a person whose illness has returned and who feels afraid.
- Praying through the Tears (25.2 KB) (Word): For someone whose illness will not be cured.
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