Prayers for Japan and New Zealand

THE BISHOP OF ST ALBANS issued a call for prayer and financial support for the people of Japan and New Zealand following the earthquakes early in 2011. The prayers below are taken from E Round, the diocesan newsletter: sign up here if you'd like to subscribe to future issues. See below for details of how to give.

A Prayer for the people of Japan
O loving Creator,
bring healing and hope to our struggling brothers and sisters on earth.
We pray for all in Japan who grieve, suffer pain, or whose homes have been destroyed by the earthquake and tsunami.
We remember those who have died and pray for those who mourn their deaths.
May your compassion, O God, calm troubled hearts and shelter anxious souls.
We dare to hope that through the generosity of the privileged, the destitute might find warmth and life again, and those who despair might glimpse hope.
We make our prayer through our Saviour Christ who defeated death and reigns with you in glory. Amen.

A Prayer for the People of New Zealand
God of consolation
grant to the people of Christchurch
the spirit of faith and courage to rebuild their lives.
May they have the strength to meet the days to come
with steadfastness and patience;
not sorrowing without hope
but clinging to your goodness and love,
through Jesus Christ who is the resurrection and the life, Amen.

How to Give

• Donations for Japan may be sent via the Church World Service c/o Christian Aid or via any of the other agencies named on the Diocesan Japan Earthquake appeal page.
• Donations for New Zealand may be sent via the USPG New Zealand Relief Fund or via the Diocese of Canterbury: Bishop Trevor asks churches to support people of New Zealand.

Last Updated: Friday, 18 March, 2011