Our heavenly Father, creator of all things and especially the creator of this land and its original peoples, we call out to you in these desperate times as we see the first catastrophic fire warnings for New South Wales, as fires have already swept across several parts of our land.
Our hearts cry out to you in desperation for those whose properties are affected by ravaging fires and whose very lives are in danger.
Father we pray, in your mercy, restrain the forces of nature from creating catastrophic damage; in your mercy protect human life.
Guard those who selflessly step into the breech to fight these fires. Guide police and authorities who help evacuate and shelter those who are displaced. Bring comfort and healing to all who suffer loss.
Remembering that long ago you extended your hand through your servant Moses to stop the waters and then to return the waters to their normal course, so we pray for rain.
In your mercy, we pray for drenching rain.
We pray that despite the forecasts, in your miraculous power you would bring forth rain to quench these fires and to bring life back into the earth, so that crops may grow and farmers may bring forth the harvest of the land again.
We bring these requests before your throne, in the name of your Son, who died and rose again for our deliverance,
Amen.
This prayer comes from the President of the NSW Council of Churches, the Archbishop of Sydney, Dr Glenn Davies.
Originally published on SydneyAnglicans.net.
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Christmas Reflections: Did Christmas just make a Comeback?
Has Christmas made a comeback? I have asked this question before … has ‘Happy Holidays’ been replaced again by the actual mention of Christmas?
It’s been on TV, and schools were generally allowed to mention the word.
Well, maybe not so much about the ‘reason for the season’, but there does seem to be an absence of that mistaken political correctness which wanted to air brush Christmas from our Society.
And everywhere was the ubiquitous Australian tradition – Christmas carols by candlelight, going strong in suburbs and country towns..
In fact, from what I saw coming from England – carols are more popular than ever. Composers are writing new ones – apparently the booming industry has seen hundreds of new carols written to sing alongside the popular favourites..
I hope you had a chance to sing carols in church this year – and had a truly happy and holy Christmas.
I’m Russell Powell for the NSW Council of Churches