A prayer following tragedy in the English Channel

Following the tragedy in the Channel, the President and Vice-President of the Methodist Conference offer this prayer.

A deadly disaster has taken place in the Channel and our hearts ache at the tragic loss of life. We believe that same ache also takes place deep within the heart of God. God weeps with us because 12 people, 10 of them female, including one pregnant woman, and children have died.

We thank God that more than 50 people were rescued and we pray for the recovery of those undergoing medical treatment. We are glad of the considerable efforts of the French authorities who rescued so many of the survivors and continue to care for the bereaved and those who are critically ill.

We pray:

We believe God cares for every child created,

that every life matters to God.

No one dies unknown by God, everyone has value in God’s eyes.

The very hairs of each of our heads are counted.

We are all loved and precious to God.

So, we pray for the bereaved as they mourn their loved ones.

We pray that those gangs who smuggle people and treat them as disposable commodities will meet justice and be defeated. May your kingdom come. Amen.