Prepared by Nam Boo Won
Sixth Sunday After Epiphany
Oh God,
We thank you for having taught us to pray for
fellow human beings, our neighbors near and far, particularly those in need and
suffering.
After more than 2 years since the covid pandemic
started, we still witness the pandemic being prolonged with uncertainties,
leaving thousands of people suffering from the damages. The WHO has appealed to all the first world countries
to contribute US$16 billion to its ‘Access to Covid Tools Accelerator’ to
combat Covid as a global emergency this year.
While appreciating for the
work of COVAX as it delivered its billionth vaccine dose last month, we do pray
that the first world leaders will commit themselves to the fund to ensure
Vacinne Justice, so that no one is left behind without access to prevention and
health care.
Oh God of Justice and Peace,
As the
whole world is worried about the military manoeuvres that began on the Russia-Ukraine
border, we appeal to you that war will not be chosen as an instrument to resolve
conflicts between nations, but seeking peace through dialogue and diplomacy.
At the
same time, we also pray that democray, human rights and social justice, not
greed for power or domination, will be common goals sought by humanity.
We hear that a bill aimed at protecting the rights
of religious people is to be launched in Australia. We pray the religious
freedom will be applied in an inclusive and fair manner in Australia and other
countries so that religious minorities will enjoy not only their freedom of
religion, but also the social service they are entitled to receive as fellow
citizens.
Oh God of the oppressed,
We pray for the safety and well-being of several
women who participated in protests demanding women’s rights in Afghanistan and
now ‘missing’.
We also pray for those whose lives are affected by
cyber-bullying and gender-based harassment in Korea and many other countiries,
as well as those people who are struggling sincerely for gender justice and bully-free
society.
We pray for the people and all wildlife in some
parts of Australia as bush fires ravage the state, destroying homes and
hectares of land. We pray as well for the victims and affected people by the
climate-induced extreme weathers and resultant disasters.
As the numbers of Covid-19 cases rise daily in Hong
Kong, we pray for all those who have tested positive and for those at the
front-line providing care. May the hand of God rest on each one of us as we
strive to do our best to contain the virus.
For the Ecumenical
Prayer Cycle,
We lift in prayer
the churches and people of all faiths in Austria, Liechtenstein, and Switzerland.
We give thanks for:
• the quality of life that many in these
countries enjoy and their commitment to provide for those in the world who are
in need
• the organizations located here that seek
to increase ecumenical and interfaith understanding and work together for the
common good of all people and creation
• political and economic transparency in
these countries
• those who reach out to migrants and
counter attitudes and practices that oppose them.
We pray for:
• environmental practices that preserve
the natural environment, especially the Alps’ melting glaciers
• the work for justice, reconciliation and peace pursued by the people and organizations here, seeking to shape globalization so that it benefits all
• religious freedom, also for those from
non-Christian traditions
• overcoming the fear of, and welcoming
the embrace of, those who are outsiders to the countries’ historic, ethnic
traditions.
For the Congregation,
We pray for Som, the mother of Sameth in Cambodia, Asha Melwani the mother of Alex, and Mrs Samuel, Jenny Alegre, Hend, Jeanette Lee, Rachel Perry, Ng Kam Lee, Raymond Lau, Chung Yoke Chin, Ramon Bultron, Bhim Maya Pun, Kathy Chan, Louis Lo, Tong Chong Sze and Hanna Isomura. We remember those who are providing care for loved ones at home and in care facilities.
All these, we lift up to
you in the precious name of Jesus Christ.
posted by Kowloon Union Church | 10:30 am
