The Church of England has released a series of reflections to help curb anxiety and mental health issues during the coronavirus pandemic.
The resources, which include Christian meditation techniques and tips for good mental wellbeing, were published by the Anglican Church on Thursday to help those struggling with fear, loneliness and grief.
Written by Durham University academic Rev Professor Chris Cook and Ruth Rice, director of the Christian mental health charity Renew Wellbeing, the booklet provides advice on healthy eating and daily routines, with prayers and scriptures from the Bible.
It suggests repeating a psalm, such as Psalm 4:8, “I will both lie down and sleep in peace; for you alone, O Lord, make me lie down in safety,” to help with sleeplessness and writing gratitude lists to remind us what we are thankful for.
In addition, the Church has published five tips for tackling loneliness and isolation.
They include praying for hope, sharing your feelings, focusing on positive change, self-care and care for others.
The Rt Rev James Newcome, Bishop of Carlisle and the Church of England’s lead bishop on health and social care has welcomed the publication.
“For some time now the issues of loneliness and isolation have been identified as major problems within our society. The coronavirus pandemic will only create further challenges in this respect. So it is vital that we do all we can as a church to protect people’s mental wellbeing,” he said.
“My prayer is that as many people as possible are able to draw upon these new resources over the coming weeks and months.”
A prayer –
Lord, We thank you that you are with us always and promise peace that surpasses understanding. We pray you would be a comfort and a hope to many who are struggling through this crisis. Help us as Christians to take care of ourselves and one another and give us eyes to see those in need.
We pray relationships with you would be strengthened at this time as we seek you. Reveal your perfect love to us that casts out fear. Amen.
Have you discovered Reflections for Daily Prayer?
The official daily Bible notes from the Church of England, they are designed to enrich your daily prayer and enhance your spiritual journey day by day throughout the year.
On Monday to Saturday each week, Reflections provides:
An inspiring reflection on one of the Bible readings for the day
Full lectionary details for Morning Prayer
A Collect for the day
By following the Common Worship lectionary cycle of readings, Reflections for Daily Prayer helps you to join your thoughts and prayers with those of thousands of Anglicans worldwide, as well as follow a balanced pattern of Bible readings that draws upon both the Old and New Testament.
Reflections is enjoying a growing number of regular readers all over the world. It is also available as an app for both Apple and Android devices.
[[] https://www.chpublishing.co.uk/features/reflections ]
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