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Tena koutou katoa
Greetings to you all in the name of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ.
I write to you at a time when the world is experiencing much trauma. We are living in very troubled times, with war raging in so many places around the world. There are armed conflicts with Israel-Iran, Israel-Palestine, Russia-Ukraine, and civil wars in Myanmar and Sudan, and ongoing conflicts in many other places. Although physically distant from us, this terrible suffering and destruction is brought home to us on our television screens, online, and in our newspapers.
Many people are being killed, injured, persecuted, confined, dispossessed of their homes, many have little or nothing to eat or drink. We find it difficult to imagine how terrifying it must be to be on the ground in these places with such horror, bloodshed, fear, grief and worry all around. We feel deeply for those showing great courage in all that they are enduring. Such cruel inhumanity. The world feels broken.
We are living through a time of mounting anxiety and danger, and so in hope through Jesus, who came that all may have life in all of its fullness,
Let us pray
for a de-escalation of war and tension
for successful dialogue and negotiation
for reconciliation between enemies
for provision of food and supplies for those in need
for wise, courageous and compassionate leadership
for healing and hope
for medical staff and hospitals who are caring for the wounded
for agencies providing help and provisions
for comfort and care for those who are suffering
for peace and for justice
We pray as people of resurrection hope – knowing that through Christ’s resurrection that the light is stronger than the darkness, and hope is stronger than despair.
Yours in Christ
Rose
Right Rev Rose Luxford
Moderator Presbyterian Church Aotearoa New Zealand
Moderator@presbyterian.org.nz