Sandy Grant, Anglican Dean of Sydney, prepared these prayers for a service earlier this week. Today, Sunday, December 21, has been declared a National Day of Reflection, following the Bondi massacre, and for Christians, that must lead to prayer.
“Australians are invited to light a candle at 6:47 pm and observe a minute of silence as an act of remembrance with family, friends and loved ones,” the Federal Government’s call for the Day of Reflection adds. “This is a moment to pause, reflect and stand with our Jewish community to share in their grief and affirm that hatred and violence will not define us.”
Dean Sandy Grant’s prayers can help us bring our responses to Bondi before our Heavenly father.
For the bereaved and injured
Heavenly Father, God of all comfort, deal graciously with those who grieve in this time of deep sadness. We pray especially for family and friends of those who have been shot. Grant them strength and peace in the days ahead. We pray with a spirit of compassion and grace for the Jewish and broader Bondi community, as they come to terms with their grief and shock. We ask you, Gracious Lord, to heal and restore all those who are still recovering in hospital. Be with them and their families as they travel the road to recovery. In Jesus’ name we pray, Amen.
For the first responders
Heavenly Father, whose blessed Son was acquainted with grief and carried our sorrows: Thank you for those who, courageously following in his steps, willingly entered into the trauma of recent events on our behalf – civilian responders, the police, ambulance officers, and other emergency medical personnel. We pray also for the police responsible for investigating the circumstances around these crimes. In your tender mercy, grant diligence and protection in their tasks, and rest to their bodies, healing to their minds, and peace to their hearts; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who with you and the Holy Spirit, lives and reigns, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.
For the community around Bondi Beach
Our dear Heavenly Father, hear our prayers for the men, women, and children who live and work in or near Bondi Beach and the surrounding areas. We present the needs of residents, shopkeepers, restaurateurs, staff, customers, and visitors to the area. You know them. You know every hair on their heads. We call on you to protect and heal. Allow a healthy process as people respond to these harrowing acts of violence. Thank you, Lord, for the courage and kindness of the people who helped each other on Sunday. May that spirit of kindness continue through your empowering, Lord. As people face anxiety, trauma, and grief, provide comfort, resilience, peace, and safety. Grant wisdom to
community leaders and help us know you are a good, gracious God. We ask this in the name of Jesus Christ, our Lord and Saviour. Amen.
For the wider community of Sydney
God most high, we ask you to strengthen the efforts of leaders of different religions in our city as they reject violence and hatred and seek to encourage respect and tolerance for others. We ask your mercy on the Jewish community in this dark time. As sadness shrouds their celebration of Hanukkah, we ask that they will find light in the promises of their prophets – and ours.
And at this time, grant the Spirit’s help for all who claim the name of Christ, who prayed for those who persecuted him and taught us to do the same. Help us work for peace, love our enemies, do good to any who hate us, bless those who curse us, and pray for those who ill-treat us; for the love of your Son, Jesus Christ, our Lord. Amen.
For the coming of God’s kingdom
Sovereign God, who will one day wipe every tear from our eyes, we pray for your kingdom to come, bringing the full and final defeat of all evil, and the reign of everlasting peace. Until that day, restrain all who inflict violence; who threaten the unsuspecting, trusting and vulnerable; whose hatred, fear, delusion, or quest for power inspire all manner of horrific acts. Shield, deliver and provide for all victims and survivors in their need. And bless those who work for justice, help, and healing.
Great shepherd, many of us are anxious; lovingly shoulder our burdens and cares. Please turn our hearts to your Son that we may rest in him. And speed the day when good and justice reign, through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
Image: Sydney’s other cathedral, St Marys. was lit up on Wednesday with a menorah and the words “May their memory be a blessing.”