Lifewords pastoral resources are bringing comfort, reassurance, and hope to people in hospitals across the UK and beyond.

Many hospital chaplains receive support through Lifewords Resource Lifeline grants. Thanks to the generosity of Lifewords supporters, chaplains are able to access free resources to share with patients, families, friends, and hospital staff in moments when encouragement, hope and spiritual support are often most needed.

Revd Andrew, a hospital chaplain, shared: “At our hospital, Lifewords booklets are made available in The Sanctuary for anyone who wishes to take them - patients, family members, staff, anyone using the space. Lifewords resources act as a support and encouragement.”

Many hospital chaplains often spend much of their day visiting patients one-to-one on wards, to be there, to listen, sometimes to pray orto share Holy Communion or other services and sacraments.

Revd Andrew continued: “We take copies out to patients who identify as Christian. Those who don’t have Bible resources with them are always so glad to receive these. We also take extra resources when we do our rounds, in case we get into conversation with someone who might not necessarily be a Christian but who, at a time of illness and vulnerability, is looking for comfort and hope in what the Bible has to say.”

Reflecting on receiving a Resource Lifeline grant, he added: “Thank you for the Lifewords materials - we are most grateful for your generosity in providing the resources free of charge. They are much appreciated by our patients.”

Another chaplain in Hampshire shared: “Our chapel sees a combination of anxious, sad, relieved, and grateful patients come each day to offer prayers or to take some time out for reflection. They come to find peace and calm in the midst of their storm. The chapel has a place to light candles, a prayer board on which to write names, and a range of materials that may offer support, including a variety of Lifewords publications.”

The chaplain went on to explain how one particular resource continues to resonate deeply with patients:

I have worked in this hospital for a number of years now, and the booklet that most often seems to connect with and help people is Daily Strength. When people are unwell, they appreciate having just a few words to read — reminders of God’s promises. The words of the Psalms are so often a deep encouragement, and the pictures in this book are stunning. Simply gazing at one of the images can help.

They also highlighted the value of accessibility: “It is so good that Daily Strength is produced in large print too, as this is much easier to read lying down in bed, especially when you may not be able to find your glasses! Lifewords has a beautiful and much-appreciated ministry.”

Similarly, Revd Liz, also a hospital chaplain, reflected on the impact of the resources: “We are so grateful for the Lifewords publications. People appreciate the modern look, bright images, and the fact that the resources are simply Bible verses with no ‘spin’.”

She added: “Daily Strength is the one we use most often. If one of our patients is struggling, I often take them a copy. The choice of verses, inspiring photos, and clear modern design really help when someone doesn’t have the energy to read their Bible.”

Revd Liz also spoke about the value of other pastoral resources from Lifewords:

“Finding Hope is especially helpful because it doesn’t peddle the myth that we should be alright if we have faith. It acknowledges struggle and keeps things simple.”

She continued “We also use Perfect Peace with those who are approaching the end of life, especially when they are close to dying. It provides appropriate verses to read and means I can leave it as a gift for their family to continue using. Recently, two sons who did not have a faith were grateful to be able to read from it to their Catholic mum in the final hours of her life. It gave them something to share when other words were hard to find, and they knew their mum was finding peace in hearing these precious words read to her.”

It what might be some of the most difficult times in a person's life, hospital chaplains are able to enter into these moments, to provide encourage and support, and to share words of life with those who are seeking hope or asking life's big questions.

To continue supporting hospital chaplains and many others through these resources, Lifewords relies on the generosity of supporters who choose to pay it forward or partner with the ministry.

Would you consider supporting Lifewords in this way?

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