Earthquake Memorial (Bishop Barry Jones)

Prayer of Bishop Barry Jones concluding the ‘two-minute silence’ at today’s (Ash Wednesday) memorial service in Hagley Park today on this first anniversary of last year’s tragic earthquake. 

O God whose mercies are without number,

and whose treasure and goodness is infinite,

graciously increase the faith of your people

that all may grasp and rightly understand

by whose love they have been created.

Your Son Jesus has taught us

to open our hearts to you in sincere prayer,

today after one year, 

we commend to your love and mercy

all those whose lives have been changed forever

by the earthquake of 22 February 2011.

We commend to your mercy

those who lost their lives in that terrible time.

We remember too,

those who were evacuated in great stress 

from city rest homes

and who have since departed this life

Grieving and distraught families, friends and workmates

entered thereby into a time of sadness, 

loneliness and heartbreak.

Have mercy on them all O God.

We commend also to you those living survivors

who bear wounds and scars and injuries 

both visible and invisible

from the earthquakes which have continued to oppress us.

May their trust and confidence in you never fail,

but rather grow to be strong and life-giving

for themselves and for those close to them.

Your Son Jesus 

showed himself to be the physician of souls.

May those burdened by fear, anxiety, 

worry and hopelessness,

know your healing hand.

Many of our people Lord carry painful memories

of building and structures falling,

and persons being crushed and trapped.

Have mercy on them and grant them peace.

We pray in Jesus’ name

Amen