A new set of prayers in response to the recent civil unrest has been published by the Church of England Racial Justice Unit.
Prayers for Peace during Civil Unrest and Racial Tension are designed for use either in churches or individual prayer.
Written primarily by the Rev Guy Hewitt, the Church of England’s Director of Racial Justice, and incorporating some material from the Bishop of Edmonton and Racial Justice, Anderson Jeremiah in the Diocese of London, and the Diocese of Southwark, they open with a general prayer for all those left “injured traumatised or afraid” by events of recent days, for the police and others seeking to restore order and for churches.
There are specific prayers remembering the victims of the attack in Southport last week which was used as a catalyst by those seeking to spread violence; for neighbours, and the nation.
There are also challenging prayers including one for those who themselves “may succumb to and become a victim of anger and its power” which asks God to “protect them and us from the desire for revenge”.
And a prayer for “those who despise us” adds: “We pray that God would do the impossible in us: help us to love and forgive those who see us as their enemies, as you love them.”
In an introduction to the prayers Rev Hewitt writes: “In the face of calamities, as happened with COVID-19, it is natural for people to find themselves struggling with fear, uncertainty, and despair.
“It is during these trying times that the power of faith becomes not just a source of solace, but a necessary anchor to help individuals navigate the stormy seas of life.
“Our Faith, in its various forms, holds the promise of hope, strength, and resilience, enabling us to emerge from crises with a renewed sense of purpose and courage.
“We urge all communities across England to seek peace and unity in response to the terrible tragedy of the murder of the three young girls in Southport last week and the subsequent violence that has erupted throughout our nation.”