A Prayer at the end of the 2022

(Not everything that happened will be mentioned – so I apologize for those areas of prayer concern that I miss.)

God of mercy, have mercy on the world and the people you have made. Show us your light and your hope, for the year that has passed has been dark with war, fear, and heart-break.

Your Son, Jesus Christ, became a refugee. You, Lord Jesus, understand the plight of the 100 million refugees on the move on the earth. They are fleeing war in Ukraine; violence and oppression in Iran; the ecological disasters of flooding in Pakistan and famine in Ethiopia, Eritrea and Somalia; economic crisis in Venezuela; religious persecution in Myanmar. Bring hope to displaced, give comfort to those who have left behind home and family, stability and memories, to become strangers in new communities.

We remember, God who upholds the oppressed and the downtrodden, those who cannot flee the state-sponsored terror in Afghanistan and the power of the warlords and gangs in South Sudan, Yemen, and Haiti.

We weep, God of compassion and comfort, over the grief upon grief experienced by the Indigenous community in this country. Especially we bring before you, Indigenous woman and the burden and suffering they bear. We thank you that Pope Francis was able to visit, and we pray that his presence will lead to lasting signs pointing towards reconciliation and the healing of relations in a good way.

We pray, God of steadfast faithfulness, for those individuals and communities in Atlantic Canada that saw damage from Hurricane Fiona, for farmers impacted by drought in British Columbia, for those who had to flee from forest fires.

We remember, God who brings peace, the violence that has marked this year in Canada with both civilians and police officers killed. We pray for the healing and renewal of this nation, that peace may overcome violence and kindness may triumph over hate.

We grieve, O Lord, the death of Queen Elizabeth II, who during her long reign reminded us there is only one certain way to face the future, putting our hand into your hand. Shape our wills by the work of the Holy Spirit that we would put our hand in yours, and that we would let you lead us through the challenges and the joys that 2023 will bring. We place ourselves and the year ahead into your hands. In Jesus’ name. Amen.