Prayer Diary

February 2010

* Haiti – “Terrible poverty, no infrastructure, environmental disaster, large areas without the rule of law….. and that was before the earthquake!”
Guardian – 15 January 2010

Lord, we pray for the people of Haiti – already struggling with poverty and a society cursed by gang violence – believed by many to be the worst place to live on earth. We pray that this terrible occurrence will provide an opportunity to make life better for those who survive. But the first priority is to get aid into the area. Lord, we pray for all the Aid agencies involved in the area – the Disasters Emergency Committee and others on the ground.
Lord, we pray for this terrible situation and those affected by it.

A Prayer for Haiti – Christian Aid

Loving God of creation, at this time of devastation we hold before you the people of Haiti. When the damage is unimaginable, and the suffering seems overwhelming, remind us that every person affected is loved, honoured and precious in your sight.

We remember all those who have been hurt; all who have lost their homes, livelihoods and loved ones.

Work through us to bring healing to broken and distorted lives, peace to those who have been thrown into despair, light to those in darkness, and hope to those who fear.

We ask this in the name of Jesus in whom all life and grace is found.
Amen

* Lord, we pray for our local community. We seem to meet more and more people who are on the fringes of society through drink, drugs etc. It is difficult not to shun or avoid these people. Lord, give us the strength to reach out and to continue to support agencies who can provide practical help for these people.

* Lord, we pray for our armed forces. At time of writing I hear of another 2 soldiers killed in Helmand. Lord, we pray for the safe return of our forces and for the ordinary people of Afghanistan who long for peace.

* Lord, we pray for an end to the tirades of militant muslims who willingly incite hatred of muslims by their extremist remarks. They do not represent ordinary British muslims but the ‘noise’ they make incites a bitter reaction from some in our society – this, of course, is exactly their purpose. We pray for harmony between Christians and Muslims in the UK and beyond.

Mary Stewart, Prayer Secretary