Prayers from the NCCA President and Ecumenical partners

Those anxious and distressed;

Those in need, hurt by the Church, finding it hard to ask for your help;

Those who have COVID but no access to medical care or vaccines;

Those, like those in Myanmar, where the sufferings of the pandemic intersect with the sufferings of military and political oppression;

Those 80 million people, displaced from home by violence, climate change, other factors beyond their control;

Those in leadership, faced now with multiple crises, after months of draining crisis management;

Those we know as “flora and fauna” whose existence is imperilled by human indifference and greed- from the koala to the coral on the Reef;

Those families separated by the pandemic and the related political choices;

Those who try to encourage and give hope;

Those of our First Nation and those who’ walk alongside’ as we seek a just peace, in your providence and presence;

Those who may die today unprepared; especially those for whom no other prayer is offered;

Those prayers of our hearts that you know are still making their way into words and which lead us to repeat and repeat, with love and reverence, 

‘Jesus have mercy’. AMEN.

Bishop Philip Huggins, NCCA President, 10 August 2021

Gracious God,

We give thanks anew for your providence and presence.

We prayerfully seek your grace, amidst COVID-19 here and overseas.

We pray for those in need of healing.

We pray for your peace with those who are anxious or grieving.

We pray you will continue to strengthen and sustain all those who are serving in response.

We pray for your Holy Spirit’s discernment amidst the many choices and decisions facing our national, community and medical leaders.

We pray we each might see quickly what more we can do to help those who are vulnerable.

This prayer for our nation in the family of nations, with all that is on our hearts, we gather now and pray through Jesus Christ our Lord.

AMEN.

Bishop Philip Huggins, NCCA President, 2020

Gracious God,

We give thanks anew for our call to unity.

In Jesus prayer, may we all be one.

We seek your grace, aware as we are of the consequences of division, so we can better build unity.

Guide us to be more aware of whatever hinders true harmony.

Help us make our best contribution to national unity and care for one another, especially amidst the anxieties of the current Coronavirus.

We pray our NCCA can better fulfil our unifying purpose in these troubled times.

Fill us with your Holy Spirit so we listen well, deepen friendships and are truly helpful.

Through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

Bishop Philip Huggins, NCCA President, 2020

Prayer for Leaders in these COVID-19 Time

God of all, we pray for leaders across the world,

where wisdom grows through honouring those whom they lead and serve.

For leaders born into monarchy, we pray their reign learns from history,

and acts without greed, domination and corruption.

May they shine with humility, and love those whom they serve.

For leaders who seize power, we pray that restorative justice prevails.

and coups, oppression and violent threats are ended.

May we advocate a democratic way forward and support those who are persecuted.

For leaders voted into power,

we pray they act with a serving heart and responsible thinking.

May love for their community override corruption

and decisions reflect consideration of all whom they serve.

For those who lead in local communities,

we pray that they lead with graciousness, clear thinking, listening ears and advocacy, to promote honest, just communities where neighbourliness is honoured

Bring our voices into these spaces, Spirit,

So that we advocate where injustice is prevalent,

offer healing where there is woundedness

be people who seek your peace and wisdom,

and create a positive, safe and welcoming community of grace. 

© Rev Anne Hewitt 11/08/2021

Prayer for the COVID-19

May we, who are experiencing the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic in Australia and are coming to terms with a new reality, remember the words of the the scripture

"Be still and know that I am God"

May we, who as adults struggling to process what is happening in our world, remember children who are fearful of a reality the cannot comprehend.

May we, who complain about the scarcity of commodities, remember those who are working to maintain the supply chain.

May we, who observe the long queues of those seeking support, remember those for whom there is no government assistance for financial aid.

May we, who rely on essential services, especially those in the medical profession, remember all those working on the front line.

May we, who work to end poverty, promote justice and uphold dignity, remember those living and working in vulnerable communities.

May we, who are working from home, remember those who have no employment or home from which to work.

May we, who have access to medical facilities and services, remember those who do not have basic health care.

May we, who are beginning to experience border closures, remember refugees who cannot return home.

May we give thanks for those who are working to help or bring some kindness, joy or humour to others, showing us the light of Christ lives.

During this time of isolation as we close our doors, may we continue to keep our hearts open to our family, friends, local and global communities.

We ask this in the name of Jesus. Amen

Caritas Australia

World Council of Churches

Voices of Lament, Hope and Courage

The World Council of Churches (WCC) has prepared global prayers at the request of its member churches and regional partners to allow the many people affected by COVID-19 to express sorrow and nurture hope for the future.

Voices of Lament, Hope and Courage prayer book of resources. 

Week of prayer in the Time of COVID-19 22 - 27 March 2021 

A year into the COVID-19 pandemic, the World Council of Churches observed a week of prayer. 

A collection of resources are available on the WCC website in English, French, German and Spanish.

More information on the event: A Week of Prayer in the Time of the COVID-19 Pandemic