Spain attacks

The President and Vice-President of the MethodistConference have shared their thoughts and prayers for the people ofSpain, following the spate of terrorist attacks this week, callingthe Methodist people to pray for peace in our world.

Jill Baker, Vice-President of the Methodist Conference said:

"For many of us, Spain represents life, fun and celebration.Today the country is in all our prayers as we try to process theterrible scenes of death, suffering and fear.

We stand alongside all those involved as Spain keeps threedays of national mourning and we cry out to God for this world inwhich we live where, tragically, acts of violence take place day byday."

The Revd Loraine N Mellor, President of the Methodist Conferenceadded:

"It is with a deep sense of sadness that once more we askthe Methodist people to pray for what has been described as anotherterrorists attack in Barcelona yesterday and another in Cambrilstoday. We have seen yet again innocent people killed andinjured and families torn apart by horrendous acts ofviolence.

"Our thoughts and prayers are with all the emergencyservices, the families of those who have lost loved ones and forthe healing touch of God for all those injured. We pray for thepeace makers and all those who are striving for a just and settledworld free from terrorism."

Prayers:

Lord our God we pray for those today who sit in silence,traumatised by these events, for the hurt and injured, thesorrowful and the sad , bring your healing and wholeness totraumatised  lives, injured bodies,  confusedminds.
Restore to your people a sense of peace and wellbeing in the midstof shattered lives.
Be especially close to the medical teams, bereavement councillors,the police and local communities as they help to restore thepeace.
Help each one of us to play our part as peacemakers in ourworld. 
Amen

Jesus Christ, you walked the streets of this world andencountered the fears and hopes, the distress and desires. Bepresent today on the streets of Barcelona, and every place, hearingagain the cries of hurt and confusion.
We pray for all who grieve and for all whose lives have beenshattered, that they may be comforted.
We pray for all who are working to bring healing, peace andcompassion, that they may be strengthened.
We pray for your world, that peace may conquer violence and lovemay conquer hatred. 
We offer our prayers in the name of Jesus Christ, Prince ofpeace.
Amen.