Let us pray

So much brokenness abounds in our world at the moment: the Ebola outbreak, war in Palestine, Ukraine, and elsewhere , and the extreme persecution of Christians in Iraq and Kurdistan as well as other parts of the planet.  This calls for prayer:

As people suffer devastating illness, let us pray:

Heavenly Father, giver of life and health: Comfort and
relieve the sick, and give your power of healing to
those who minister to their needs, that those
for whom our prayers are offered may be strengthened in
their weakness and have confidence in your loving care;
through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with
you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever. Amen.

As war rages in so much of our world, let us pray:

Eternal God, in whose perfect kingdom no sword is drawn
but the sword of righteousness, no strength known but the
strength of love: So mightily spread abroad your Spirit, that
all peoples may be gathered under the banner of the Prince of
Peace, as children of one Father; to whom be dominion and
glory, now and for ever. Amen.

As suffering and persecution abound, let us pray:

O Lord God,
your Son Jesus Christ suffered and died for us.
In his resurrection
he restores life and peace in all creation.
Comfort, we pray, all victims of intolerance
and those oppressed by their fellow humans.
Remember in your kingdom those who have died.
Lead the oppressors towards compassion
and give hope to the suffering.
Through the same Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

(These prayers come from the Church of England and the Book of Common Prayer.)

Source: SNAZ