Liturgy/Worship Resources: Asian Tsunami

Call to Worship
As we gather today for worship let us remember those affected by the earthquake and tsunamis in South and South East Asia. Together let us find strength in the face of such suffering in our sharing of one another’s pain.

Opening
Leader: We come with our own needs and those of so many who suffer.
All: Open us to your word.
Leader: We come with our pain and the grief that envelopes your world.
All: Open us to your love.
Leader: We come in the knowledge that your path is one of justice and peace.
All: Open us to your compassion. Amen.

Reflection
You may like to use some of the material from the CWS appeal to highlight the actions of those directly involved in the affected regions, showing the strength of the global network of which we are a part. Some will be asking questions like how can God allow such devastation to happen, or identify it as an act of God for the sins of the world.

CWS emphasises the need to reach out in compassion, especially to the poorest peoples. Staff have visited both India and Sri Lanka and for many of us these are people that we know. For example, some people will have met Jesu Rethinam from Nagapattinam when she visited in 1993. Jesu had to travel 30 km to hire a four wheel drive vehicle to visit the fisher communities with food and water. The richest people of the town had used available vehicles to escape with their families and possessions.

The results of this catastrophe will be dealt with in the coming years, and the long term rehabilitation of many communities who lived from their daily catch or activity will take careful work. It is important that appropriate aid, respecting food and cultural preferences, is delivered efficiently and in a way that provides the basis for the rebuilding of communities. Because of our tested relationships CWS trusts our partners, including those members of the global alliance, ACT (Action by Churches Together) International to do this. Furthermore we have been heartened by the concern expressed in this country through the rapid and generous response by New Zealanders to our appeal. We trust that this support will continue as some of the poorest peoples in the region struggle to come to terms with such a catastrophe.

Intercessory Prayer
Leader: God of Love, we pray for those whose lives have been devastated by the terrible tsunamis, in India, Indonesia, Sri Lanka and Thailand. We pray for the tens of thousands who lost their lives and the many people who are grieving the loss of loved ones. Grant them your peace. Be near those who are suffering and comfort them in their grief.

We pray for those who are involved in relief efforts, who are delivering essential food and water to those who have lost everything. We especially pray for those working with the poorest people knowing that they are often the last to receive help. Give them the strength they need to face the enormous need and to comfort those who are distressed.

We pray for leaders in India, Sri Lanka, Thailand, Indonesia and other countries affected. Help them find ways to respond to this tragedy that are just and compassionate. In particular we pray for the people of Aceh who are so isolated and who live in a state of war and for Tamil and Sinhala that they might overcome their animosities to bring help to those in need in Sri Lanka.

We pray for the leaders of all nations and of those organisations responding at a global level. May their words be matched by swift action and not governed by self interest. May their decisions be governed by generosity and compassion for those who are in desperate need.

In the midst of this terrible tragedy, awaken and encourage us to reach out in love to our brothers and sisters of all faiths and no faiths, with words and actions of hope, in the knowledge that you care about every human on this earth.

Amen.

Suggested Hymns:
O God Our Help in Ages Past (With One Voice 46)
Almighty Stronghold is our God (WOV 8)
Through all the changing scenes of life (WOV 30)
Eternal Father Strong to Save (WOV 74)
God of All Power, Truth and Grace (WOV 477)
Guide me O Thou Great Jehovah (WOV 478)
Make Me O Lord an Instrument of your Peace (WOV 666)
When the storm winds blow (Alleluia Aotearoa 152)
Will you offer me compassion? (AA 160)

Blessing

May you find strength in your faith

May you find hope in the actions of others

May you find love in caring for those who you know are in need

God grant you grace in the days ahead.

Amen