World News This Week in Prayer

Lord, as your cherished people we adore you for your unfailing love toward all creation. Your thoughts are not ours; we recognize that your thinking is on a far greater scale than our mere time and place even when we do not understand. Your ways not ours, yet you call us into new ways to find your kingdom.

In the turning of the world and the change of seasons we, in the northern hemisphere, are unfeignedly delighted at the return of longer days and warmth. So it is that with the turning of the year we pray with Fijians hit by a devastating cyclone and wonder if Australians also greet the changing season with thanksgiving for surcease from devastating bushfires.

In this season of Lent, in the eucharistic namnesis we are amazed at the plethora of care, grace, kindness poured out on us, your beloved. We want the whole world to share in your new covenant which existed before we know you. Today, we bring our lamentations for those who, knowing you, are forced from home, family and shelter, all that gives safety and security.

We pray for the refugees across the Middle East.

Lord, hear our lament.

We pray for those disfigured by acid attack in India.

Lord, hear our lament.

We pray for those with cancer linked to toxic waste in the area around Naples, Italy.

Lord, hear our lament.

With the European Union in crisis talks regarding migrant,

Lord, hear our prayer.

With the IMF warning that the global economy is “vulnerable”,

Lord, hear our prayer.

With the a possible US – Russian plan for a ceasefire in Syria, but air drops in difficulties,

Lord, hear our prayer.

With thanksgiving we pray for those bold enough to do research in medicine, that they might ease:
the suffering of long term ebola complications;
the devastation of zika virus – especially as it’s spread and effect is questioned by scientists in the US.
the stigma associated with leprosy in Nepal.
Lord, receive our prayers of adoration, lamentation and thanksgiving.

The Lord hears our prayer.

Thanks be to God. Amen.