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Pray for the World following the tragic events of 11 September 2001
Many Christians have been greatly moved with compassion following the terrible events of September 11 in New York, Washington and Pittsburgh. It is sometimes difficult in these circumstances to know how to pray specifically as one tends to get fixed on one particular part of the situation and either ignore other parts or get them out of perspective.
At such times it can be helpful to follow either a list of topics or to pray using prayers which have been used by others.
Here are some prayer suggestions and prayers:
The People affected - in America, UK and every other nation involved:
the bereaved - that God will be a source of true comfort as they come to terms with the shock and anger;
the recovery teams and for the forensic staff working on the landfill area sifting through the debris - for protection against unstable ruined buildings and the possibility of disease and infection;
the injured and traumatised - that God will bring healing to body, mind and spirit, those who are fearful as a result of the extensive media coverage, especially the very young and the very old. May the love of God bind up the broken hearted and comfort those who mourn and cast out all fear.
International leadership (1 Tim 2. 2) - there are huge responsibilities resting on the shoulders of President Bush and his advisors, Tony Blair and other leaders in Europe, Middle East and Pakistan, and all those working to establish the 'coalition against terrorism'. Pray that God will give them wisdom to act wisely and not in haste or anger; that they will work within international agreements; that they will know how best to respond in bringing those responsible for justice without the loss of innocent lives.
The security forces - in USA, here in UK and elsewhere: Pray for the FBI in their investigation and all other national security organisations, working to find out who was responsible. Pray for information to be found that will lead to the discovery of the terrorist cells, both in the UK, USA and other nations.
The people of Afghanistan - Before the events of 11 September 5 million Afghans were already facing the devastating impact of poverty, war and drought. Aid workers are on trial for promoting Christianity and face the death penalty. Ask for God to have mercy on this nation, already devastated by war. Pray for humanitarian aid to reach those threatened by starvation: for those on trial for their lives, that God would give them peace, comfort and deliver them from death.
Those responsible for terrorism - We are clearly taught to pray for those who 'persecute us' and are 'our enemies'. Pray for Osama Bin Laden and his followers - that God will have mercy on them and challenge them to turn from violence.
The UK and ourselves - There are disturbing stories of violence against Afghans and others from Middle Eastern nations here in UK. Pray for our police forces under great pressure at this time; all those working for reconciliation in troubled areas; ourselves, that God will continue to help us 'love our neighbour as ourselves'.
The following prayers come from the Archbishop of Canterbury's website
www.archbishopofcanterbury.org
A prayer for those in mourning
Almighty God, you have led your children from darkness into light, and have promised to your faithful people comfort in time of sorrow. Grant to the bereaved, comfort; to the injured, healing; and to those who despair, hope; that in our time of trial we may know the consolation of your love. Through Jesus Christ our Lord.
Amen.
A prayer for the emergency services
Almighty God, whose son Jesus Christ healed the sick and brought comfort to the weary; give strength and courage to the men and women of the emergency services in America. Grant to them your love and presence in the heart of danger, sorrow, pain and anguish, that they may continue to find life and hope in the midst of destruction. This we pray in Jesus' name.
Amen.
A prayer for the wider community
Heavenly Father, your son Jesus Christ taught us to have trust in you; we pray that, out of this darkness, the light of Christ may shine; that out of this pain may come healing; and out of this destruction may come new life and hope. Deliver us, we pray from hatred and malice, from fear and mistrust. Bless President Bush, his advisers and the people of America, united in grief and undivided in their sorrow, that the darkness of this present time may be turned into the dawn of new life, through our saviour, Jesus Christ.
Amen.
A prayer for the leaders of the Nations
O God our heavenly Father, whose love sets no boundaries and whose strength is in service; grant to the leaders of the nations wisdom, courage and insight at this time of darkness and fear. Give to all who exercise authority determination to defend the principles of freedom, love and tolerance, strength to protect and safeguard the innocent and clarity of vision to guide the world into the paths of justice and peace. This we ask through our Lord Jesus Christ.
Amen.
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