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Prayer for Christchurch

Wednesday, 09 March 2011 14:04

Gracious God,
whose love for us is greater even than death,
we pray for the people of Christchurch devastated by the earthquake:
comfort all who grieve for loved ones lost;
strengthen those who face the ruin of homes, memories and livelihoods;
encourage the police, fire, ambulance, civil defence and defence force personnel, 
search and rescue teams, church workers 
and all who have travelled from afar,
bringing specialist support, relief and assistance.

Give us compassionate and generous hearts towards all who are in need.
As they face their uncertainty and grief
may they know the assurance of your presence with them
and the hope of new life to come.
We ask this through Jesus Christ
who lives with you and the Holy Spirit,
one God, now and for ever.  Amen.

Christchurch earthquake: prayer

Last Updated on Tuesday, 01 March 2011 20:24 Tuesday, 22 February 2011 14:29

God – the world is in an uproar.
While ordinary people in the Middle East
call for justice and a fair way of life,
the ground rolls beneath Christchurch again. 

Read more: Christchurch earthquake: prayer

Reflective Prayers

Last Updated on Thursday, 06 January 2011 14:00 Sunday, 02 January 2011 09:27

Reflective prayers for the new year
from the New Zealand Prayer Book

God our judge and a teacher,
let us not waste time when the day is done
in guilt or self-reproach.
Give us rather the courage
to face whatever has been,
accept forgiveness, and move on to something better.
Amen.

Support us, Lord, all the day long,
until the shadows lengthen, and the evening comes,
the busy world is hushed, the fever of life is over,
and our work is done;
then  Lord, in your mercy,
give us safe lodging,
a holy rest and peace at last.
Amen

God of peace,
be with us through this night which waits for us;
bless us if it brings us sleep;
support us if it brings us pain or anxiety,
till we come once more to the morning light of another day.
Amen.

Christmas Prayers and Thoughts

Last Updated on Wednesday, 22 December 2010 22:00 Wednesday, 22 December 2010 09:21

Eternal Father,
as Mary and Joseph gazed on the Christ-child,
so now we join with all your people across the centuries
to welcome him into our lives
true God yet true man,
the Word made flesh,
Jesus Christ our Lord.
As we celebrate his birth in the stable of Bethlehem,
help us know he is with us always,
and to live each day in the light of that knowledge.
Amen.

Nick Fawcett

For those who are experiencing their first Christmas since the death of a loved one, here are some words from Dwight Daniels:

But when everyone around you is rejoicing, grief can come on unexpectedly. Be gentle with yourself if you find yourself overwhelmed in a crowd. Step outside for some fresh air.

Remember that it’s perfectly OK to feel happiness and joy, too, at Christmas – right in the midst of your grief. Your loved one would want you to feel merry.

The sky will clear. And in the night, you will see a star shining in the dark. Your loss has meaning. There is hope. Love never dies.