FLOODS IN PAKISTAN
Compassionate God,
source of all comfort,
We pray for the people of Pakistan
whose lives are devastated by rain and flood.
Bring them comfort, we pray.
Protect the vulnerable.
Strengthen the weak.
Keep at bay the ravages of disease.
Have mercy on all those working
to rescue the stranded
and to feed the hungry.
And may our response to their suffering
be generous and bring you praise.
For we ask it in Jesus’ name. Amen.
A prayer of the bishop of St Albans.
Coming back from holiday on Guernsey, I realized that I had been living in something of a bubble. It had been lovely to be waited on hand and foot in the hotel, to enjoy the ample and delicious food on offer, and to try to work some of it off walking around the gorgeous islands. I’m sure the break and the fresh sea air did me much good. But an island holiday, particularly perhaps, can isolate one from the realities of life. I saw no national papers that week: the Guernsey press was dominated by local (no doubt important) stories, about airport expansion, disputed fishing rights off Sark and the like. I did catch some BBC news, but it all seemed so far away. Prayers were said in Church for Pakistan, and I joined in, but somehow it didn’t really connect with my soul.
Coming back to Sandy the situation after the floods there has hit home, as I’ve reconnected with the media. Pakistan has gained a dramatic and moving reality that it didn’t have before. And the experience of my holiday made me reflect on how we can isolate ourselves from what’s going on around us in the world, and not let it in. Sometimes it’s right to retreat and refresh – everyone needs a break at times. And sometimes our own personal stresses and sorrows dominate us and blot everything else out. Reflect perhaps on the loved ones mourning all the people listed in ‘From the Registers’ this month. And often the sheer bombardment of information in the mass-media age overwhelms us, and our compassion becomes fatigued.
In such a world, I believe that prayer becomes more vital than ever. It quietens us amidst life’s hubbub. It turns our focus away from ourselves, and towards God first, and then his world and his children. Prayer helps us regain our bearings and discern what is truly important. It restores our compassion and stirs us to action. It connects us with our fellow human beings, whoever they are, wherever they may be, whatever they are going through.
That’s why, among the 89 (!) emails picked up on my return to work, I was delighted to find the prayer above from Bishop Alan. It helped me place my mind and heart where it ought to be. I hope it helps you too Derwyn.