Today we marked an early All Saints/All Souls, giving thanks for those who have gone before us, sharing stories about them, and naming some losses almost too painful to bear – including miscarried and stillborn children.
Loving God, we bring to you those
truly unacclaimed by earthly powers,
yet whose lives have indeed hallowed ours:
those who died in the womb;
those who died during birth.
We barely knew them: yet they touched our lives
with fleeting joy, and enduring sorrow.
Gentle God, you shaped their inward parts,
and your eyes beheld their embryonic form.
Even now, you know them intimately,
for death is no barrier to your love.
Thank you that they are with you now,
where there is no more dying or tears or pain,
Thank you that, in you, nothing is wasted,
nothing is lost, and death is a new beginning.
Lord, we believe: Help our unbelief.
Meet us in our brokenness and guide us to the day
when all things are brought together in you.
Until then, may your Word and Spirit comfort us.
We pray in the name of the one who loved little children
and always let them come to him:
Jesus Christ our Lord: Amen.
Did you know that if you live in Victoria, you can apply for an early pregnancy loss commemorative certificate through Births, Deaths and Marriages? It’s not a legal document, but provides a way of formally acknowledging the loss. Find more details and a simple application process here.
This prayer references ‘For all the saints who’ve shown your love’, a song by John L.Bell / Iona Community (not to mention Psalm 139, Romans, Revelation, Mark …), and was inspired by a liturgy for a miscarried child put together by my friend, Jason Goroncy, here. Prayed with Sanctuary 31 October 2021 © Sanctuary, 2021. No sermon! Photo by Diogo Nunes on Unsplash. Sanctuary is based on Peek Whurrong country. Acknowledgement of country here.
Sanctuary 