My Prayer for New Zealand

Loving God, we come with heavy hearts, and pray for the people of NZ, particularly those part of the city of Christchurch, particularly the Muslim community, particularly those who have suffered loss. We pray that You bring a large measure of Your peace.

We pray for all the families and friends of all the victims, and we pray for those still fighting for life, and for all those dealing with horrific injuries. We pray for the doctors, nurses, hospital staff - dealing with such awful trauma. We pray for a large measure of Your healing.

As many of the victims were refugees from other places, just seeking a new peaceful country in which to live and contribute, we pray for refugees around the world - for their safety and well being. We pray that You will bring them a large measure of hope.

Loving God, we pray for all those suffering under persecution and injustice across the world, and for those who are grieving their loss as a result of any one of the atrocities that have occurred. We pray for their freedom from captivity, and comfort for all who mourn.

We pray for the first responders last Friday - the police, and the ambos, and any others who courageously sought to help their fellow citizens. We also pray for the bystanders - in regard to what they saw and heard. Also, we think of the perplexed people of Grafton. We pray that You give them a large measure of Your peace.

We pray for the counsellors, pathologists, coroner, and funeral directors - in the massive task they have to perform. We also pray for the government of NZ, in gratitude for the wise and compassionate prime minister that they have. Give them all a large measure of Your guidance, we pray.

We pray that we all are prepared to learn the lessons we need to from this act of terror, especially in terms of Your Divine Gospel call to love our neighbour. As we read in Your Word: "Let us NOT become weary of doing what is right". We pray against all those who preach hate - whether directly or more subtly.

We lament the sin that exists in the world, and in our lives. We pray that You will continue to form us as Your new creation, so that we can be people who offer peace and hope. We pray in the wonderful Name of our Saviour Jesus, Amen.