As God's people, let us continue to uphold the victims of the Queensland floods
PRAYER FOR QUEENSLAND’S FLOOD VICTIMS
In Psalm 46, we read these words of encouragement and comfort
God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble.
Almighty God,
Creator and preserver of our world. We ask you to hear our humble prayers for all those afflicted by the devastating floodwaters throughout the state of Queensland & elsewhere in Australia.
We pray for those still threatened by flood in city & rural areas. Protect both life and property. In your mercy, bring relief to all affected areas.
We pray for the sick and injured, for the homeless, for the bereaved and for those still searching for loved ones in this great tragedy. Have compassion, merciful Lord, in the midst of their profound suffering, comforting and relieving them according to their needs.
Heal those broken in body and spirit. Give courage and hope in the midst of despair. Through the generosity of governments and individuals across our nation, provide a future for those whose present circumstances are marked by loss and desperation. otect all those who are most vulnerable in the areas of devastation. And by your gracious hand, rebuild communities where men, women and children are nurtured with care and love.
And turn the hearts of all to you, the God of all comfort.
In Jesus’ name we pray. AMEN.
PRAYER FOR QUEENSLAND’S EMERGENCY SERVICE PERSONNEL
The Lord is at hand. Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. Philippians 4:5b-6
Everlasting God,
You know our necessities before we ask. We pray for all emergency services personnel in Queensland.
We thank you for the unstinting dedication and efforts of the SES, other emergency services and the nation’s Defence Force. Give them courage in adversity, safety in service and protection from harm. We ask that you would also watch over their loved ones. In the service of others, may assistance be rendered to those in greatest need with speed and efficiency, justice and compassion.
We pray also for medical personnel caring for the injured. Provide ample resources and energy to doctors and nurses coping with prolonged work hours and deeply distressing circumstances.
In the midst of this tragedy, we thank you for the compassion and generosity of governments, businesses and individuals. We ask for an ongoing spirit of care and generosity as local, state and national bodies help to reconstruct communities and bring hope to victims and to future generations.
Give wisdom to the Premier of Queensland, Anna Bligh, to Prime Minister Julia Gillard and to all who exercise significant community leadership at this time. Enable them to chart a course through the complex challenges in Queensland during all phases of the State’s recovery in the weeks and months to come.
In Jesus’ name we pray. AMEN.
PRAYER FOR GOSPEL MINISTRY TO FLOOD-AFFECTED AREAS
Our Apostle Paul writes:
Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of mercies and God of all comfort, who comforts us in all our affliction …
Heavenly Father, we thank you that through the death and resurrection of your Son we have been adopted as your children. We pray on this day for all Christians who live and work in the flood-affected areas of Queensland and this nation.
Strengthen them by your grace to be faithful witnesses in the midst of hardship. By word and deed, help them to serve others.
We pray for ANGLICARE and other Christian welfare agencies in their critical role as part of Queensland’s disaster recovery plan. We ask that the resources and expertise of these organizations will be utilized to best effect.
We pray for Christian pastors and ministers. Enable them to proclaim the message of eternal life in our Lord Jesus Christ that all people might come to him.
And, Father, we pray for ourselves. Forgive us for our complacency and inward-looking perspectives. By your Spirit, create in us an ongoing concern and generous hearts for our fellow Australians affected by these floods. Make us ever-prayerful and may these fellow citizens in our great nation know the prayers and support of Christians everywhere.
In Jesus' name we pray, AMEN