Extracts from A Prayer Book for Australia
Prayers for Various Occasions
Occasional Prayers
Prayers for the World and the Nation
1 Peace
God of the nations, whose sovereign rule brings
justice and peace,
have mercy on our broken and divided world.
Shed abroad your peace in the hearts of all
and banish from them the spirit that makes for war,
that all races and peoples may learn to live
as members of one family
and in obedience to your law,
through your Son, Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
2 In times of national/international tension
Almighty God, ruler of all,
in whose kingdom peace and righteousness abound;
we pray for those who are in conflict…
Take away prejudice, cruelty and revenge.
Grant that barriers which divide may crumble,
suspicions disappear and hatreds cease,
through Jesus Christ our mediator. Amen.
3 In times of conflict
God our refuge and strength,
you have bound us together in a common life:
help us, in the midst of our present conflict
to confront one another without hatred or bitterness
to listen for your voice amid competing claims
and to work together with mutual forbearance and respect;
through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
4 Good government
Spirit of justice and truth,
grant to our governments and all who serve in public life,
wisdom and skill, imagination and energy;
protect them from corruption
and the temptation of self-serving.
Help us to commit ourselves to the common good
that our land may be a secure home for all its peoples,
through Jesus Christ the Prince of Peace. Amen.
5 Parliament
Most gracious God, ruler of the nations,
we pray for the Parliament of this
State/Territory/Commonwealth,
its members and officers [and especially for…].
Direct their work and influence their decisions
to the advancement of your glory,
and the safety and welfare of this country,
so that peace and happiness, truth and justice,
may be established among us;
through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
6 Australia
God, bless Australia,
guard our people
guide our leaders
and give us peace;
for Jesus Christ's sake. Amen.
7 Reconciliation
Lord God, bring us together as one,
reconciled with you and reconciled with each other.
You made us in your likeness,
you gave us your Son, Jesus Christ.
He has given us forgiveness from sin.
Lord God, bring us together as one,
different in culture, but given new life in Jesus Christ,
together as your body, your Church, your people.
Lord God, bring us together as one,
reconciled, healed, forgiven,
sharing you with others as you have called us to do.
In Jesus Christ, let us be together as one. Amen.
8 Australia Day
We bless you, God of the universe,
for this land,
for its contrasts of landscape and climate,
for its abundance of wealth and opportunity.
We bless you for our history,
with all its struggles in adversity,
its courage and hope.
Give us in our diversity
tolerance and respect for each other
and a passionate commitment to justice for all.
Bless us so that we might be a blessing to others.
We ask this through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
9 On Anzac Day
God of love and liberty,
we bring our thanks today for the peace and
security we enjoy.
We remember those who in time of war
faithfully served their country.
We pray for their families,
and for ourselves whose freedom was won at such a cost.
Make us a people zealous for peace,
and hasten the day
when nation shall not lift up sword against nation
neither learn war any more.
This we pray in the name of the one who gave his life
for the sake of the world:
Jesus Christ, our Redeemer. Amen.
10 The defence and police forces
Eternal God, the only source of peace,
we pray for all who serve in the defence and
police forces of this land.
Give them courage and comfort in danger,
patience in waiting, and discipline in the just use of force.
Help us to seek for all people
the freedom to serve you and each other in compassion and peace.
We ask this through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
11 Seafarers
Heavenly Father, we commend to you all seafarers.
Guard and protect them in danger and temptation;
sustain them in loneliness;
and support them in sickness and anxiety.
Bless all who minister to them.
Watch over those who are near and dear to them,
and grant them the blessing of your presence.
These things we ask through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
12 In time of drought, flood or bushfire
All things look to you, O Lord,
to give them their food in due season:
look in mercy on your people,
and hear our prayer for those whose lives and possessions
are threatened [have been destroyed] by drought [flood, fire].
In your mercy restore your creation and heal our land.
So guide and bless your people,
that we may enjoy the fruits of the earth
and give you thanks with grateful hearts,
through our Lord Jesus Christ. Amen.
13 Rain
God our heavenly Father
through your Son you promised
to those seeking first your kingdom
and your righteousness
all things necessary for bodily welfare:
send us, we pray, in this time of need,
rain to water the earth,
that we may receive its produce
to strengthen and sustain us
and always praise you for your bounty;
through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
Prayers for Society and the Common Life
14 Places of learning
God of all truth,
teach us to love you with heart and mind.
Bless our schools, colleges and universities [especially…]
that they may be lively centres
for sound learning,
new discovery,
and the pursuit of wisdom.
May all who teach and all who learn
seek and love the truth,
and in humility look to you,
the source of all wisdom and understanding,
through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
15 Our homes
Almighty God and heavenly Father,
your Son Jesus Christ shared at Nazareth
the life of an earthly home.
Bless our homes, we pray
that parents and children may be bound to each other
by mutual love and honour,
and come to a knowledge of your love for them;
through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
16 Our homes
Visit, Lord, our homes
and drive far from them all the snares
of the evil one:
let your holy angels dwell in them
to preserve us in peace
and may your blessing rest upon us evermore;
through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
17 The media
Almighty God,
you proclaim your truth in every age
by many voices:
direct those who speak where many listen,
those who write what many read
those who influence what many see,
that they may do their part
in making the heart of this people wise,
its mind sound
and its will righteous
to the honour of Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
18 The judicial system
Great Judge of all,
give understanding and integrity to our
judges and magistrates,
so that they may discern the truth,
safeguard human rights, and administer the law with justice.
Enable them to make wise decisions
for the well-being of individuals and society
so that you may be faithfully served
and your name honoured;
through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
19 Industry and business
God of all creation,
we pray for all who work in the offices and factories of this land.
Enable them to live and work together in harmony and safety,
and offer to you the fruits of their toil for the good of all.
Give respect and dignity to all who labour,
discernment and skill to those who develop new technologies,
and wisdom to all who carry great responsibilities.
You have given us the knowledge to produce plenty;
give us also the will to bring it within the reach of all,
through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
20 Those who are absent
God of every place;
we pray for loved ones absent from us:
protect them from harm,
direct them in your way
and strengthen them in difficulty.
Give them a firm trust in you and your goodness
through Jesus Christ our Saviour. Amen.
21 The aged
Lord God, the giver of eternal life,
we pray for the elderly of our community
and thank you for those who, having given
a lifetime of service,
face the future with faith.
We remember too
the housebound, the lonely and fearful,
the doubting and the despairing.
Bless them all
and fill with love those who serve them;
through Jesus Christ our Saviour. Amen.
22 Good use of leisure
O God, our rest and our redeemer,
in the course of this busy life
give us times of refreshment and peace,
to rebuild our bodies and renew our minds,
so that we may live in harmony with you and your creation;
though Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
23 The unemployed
Heavenly Father, we remember before you
those who suffer want and anxiety from lack of employment.
Guide the people of this land
to use their wealth and resources
so that everyone may find suitable and fulfilling work.
May all receive just payment and recognition for their labour,
and offer the fruit of their toil in service to you and one another;
through your Son, Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
24 The poor and neglected
God of mercy and pity,
remember the homeless, the destitute, the sick, the aged,
and all who have none to care for them.
Heal those who are broken in body or spirit,
and turn their sorrow into joy.
Help us to minister to their needs,
for the love of your Son,
who for our sake became poor,
Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
25 Family breakdown
God of peace,
we pray for families in crisis.
Heal the broken-hearted,
and bind up the wounded;
comfort and sustain them in their need.
Give them wise and faithful friends,
grace to forgive and be forgiven,
and courage for the road ahead,
in the name of Jesus. Amen.
26 Those suffering abuse
Loving God,
whose Son was both victim and victor,
we cry to you for those who suffer abuse,
[especially…].
Be with them in confusion and pain.
Heal the wounds of body and mind;
break open the prisons of fear, self-doubt and despair;
and strengthen them to face the future with faith, hope and courage.
Reach out to them with your love,
that they may be made whole in body, mind and spirit,
through the healing touch of the suffering Christ. Amen
27 Those suffering abuse
God, our redeemer and sustainer,
we pray for survivors of violence, abuse and neglect.
Give your power to the powerless,
your fullness to the empty of spirit.
Heal their wounds, free them from fear,
and restore them to true health.
Grant this through Jesus Christ,
the crucified and risen Saviour
who is alive and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit,
one God, for ever and ever. Amen.
28 Those who abuse
Judge of all the earth,
God of justice,
we bring before you all who abuse others.
Turn the hearts of the violent from the way of evil.
Fill them with a hatred of the damage they do,
so bringing them to true repentance
and amendment of their lives,
for Jesus Christ's sake. Amen.
29 The holy catholic Church
Most gracious Father,
we pray for your holy catholic Church:
fill it with all truth
and in all truth with all peace;
where it is corrupt, purge it;
where it is in error, direct it;
where anything is amiss, reform it;
where it is right, strengthen and confirm it;
where it is in want, furnish it;
where it is divided, heal it
and unite it in your love;
through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
30 Call to discipleship
Christ, whose insistent call
disturbs our settled lives:
give us discernment to hear your word,
grace to relinquish our tasks,
and courage to follow empty-handed
wherever you may lead,
so that the voice of your gospel
may reach to the ends of the earth. Amen.
31 Lay ministries
Almighty God,
by whose Spirit the whole body of your Church
is called into a royal priesthood,
hear our prayer for all members of your Church
that in their vocation and ministry
they may truly serve you,
devoutly love you
and faithfully follow in the way of your Son,
Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
32 Ministry
God our Shepherd,
in every generation you call
ministers of your word and sacraments.
Equip them to preach the gospel,
to care for your people
and to show forth the fruit of the Spirit in their lives;
in the name of Jesus our Saviour. Amen.
33 Those to be ordained deacon
Lord Jesus Christ,
though you are rich, for our sake you became poor.
Taking the form of a servant, you humbled yourself,
and gave your life a ransom for many.
Send your blessing on those called to be deacons,
that they may have grace and power
to serve as your ambassadors,
to stand beside the poor and raise up the needy,
and so proclaim your gospel of salvation in word and deed.
May they be patient and loving, strong and steadfast,
running to the end the race set before them,
to receive your promised crown of glory. Amen.
34 Those to be ordained priest
Great Shepherd of your people,
bless those called to priesthood in your Church.
Fire their hearts with passion for your word
and care for your people,
that they may joyfully proclaim your gospel,
and faithfully minister your sacraments.
Guide them in their prayer and study,
that they may be discerning and loving pastors,
enabling all to minister to the glory of your name
and the benefit of your people and world.
We ask this through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
35 At the time of choosing a bishop
Eternal God, shepherd and guide,
in your mercy give your Church in this diocese
a shepherd after your own heart
who will walk in your ways,
and with loving care watch over your people.
Give us a leader of vision and a teacher of your truth.
So may your Church be built up
and your name glorified;
through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
36 At the time of choosing an incumbent
Bountiful God,
give to this parish a faithful pastor
who will faithfully speak your word
and minister your sacraments;
an encourager who will equip your people for ministry
and enable us to fulfil our calling.
Give to those who will choose, wisdom,
discernment and patience,
and to us give warm and generous hearts,
for Jesus Christ's sake. Amen.
37 Synod
Almighty and everliving God,
give wisdom and understanding,
to the members of the Synod of this Diocese/
the General Synod of our Church.
Teach them/us in all things
to seek first your honour and glory.
May they/we perceive what is right
have courage to pursue it
and grace to accomplish it,
through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
38 Before a meeting
God our Creator,
when you speak there is light and life.
Fill us with your Holy Spirit
so that we may listen to one another,
speak the truth in love,
and bear much fruit in the service of your kingdom;
through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
39 Unity
God the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ,
our only Saviour, the Prince of Peace:
give us grace seriously to lay to heart
the great danger we are in by our divisions.
Take away all prejudice and pride,
and whatever else may hinder true harmony,
for there is only one Lord, one faith, one baptism,
one God and Father of us all.
Grant that we may glorify your name together
that the world may believe in you. Amen.
40 Unity
Lord Jesus Christ, you said to your apostles:
I leave you peace, my peace I give you.
Look not on our sins, our divisions and our confusions
but grant us the peace and unity of your kingdom
where you live for ever and ever. Amen.
41 The spread of the gospel
We praise you, Lord of all,
for the gifts of Christ our ascended King:
for apostles, prophets, evangelists, pastors and teachers.
Hear our prayer for all who do not know your love
and have not heard the gospel of our Saviour Jesus Christ.
Send out your light and truth
through the messengers of your word.
Help us to support them by our prayers and offerings,
and hasten the coming of your kingdom;
through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
42 Mission and evangelism
O God,
you have made of one blood
all the peoples of the earth
and sent your Son to preach peace
to those who are far off
and to those who are near:
grant that people everywhere may seek after you
and find you;
pour out your Spirit upon all flesh
and hasten the coming of your kingdom;
through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
43 The Anglican Board of Mission – Australia
God of all,
bless the Anglican Board of Mission
as it serves the Church in Australia
and our partner churches overseas.
Inspire its work and its vision
that all may come to know your justice,
your peace and your love;
through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
44 The Bush Church Aid Society
Lord our God,
we pray for all
who live in remote parts of Australia.
Thank you for the Bush Church Aid Society,
for its ministry of word and sacrament,
its medical work and support services,
and its care for the young.
Encourage workers in loneliness
and refresh them in hardship.
Call many to stand with them
in making Christ known,
that your redeeming love might be accepted
throughout our land.
We pray in Jesus' name. Amen.
45 The Church Missionary Society
God of love, whose will it is that everyone should be saved,
bless the Church Missionary Society
and all who have gone out in its fellowhip
to preach, to teach and to heal.
Guard, guide and use them;
raise up more people in your worldwide Church
to pray and to work,
to care and to understand,
to give to you and to go for you,
that your Church may grow, your will be done,
your kingdom come, and your glory be revealed;
through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
46 The South American Missionary Society
Almighty God our heavenly Father,
we ask you to prosper the South American
Missionary Society.
Give to its missionaries the fullness of the Holy Spirit,
wisdom to do right, courage to persevere
and a steadfast love for your people.
Give faithfulness and zeal to its members
and call out many labourers for your work
that the harvest may bring glory to your name;
through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
47 God's guidance
Almighty and everlasting God,
direct, sanctify, and govern
our hearts and bodies in the ways of your law
and the works of your commandments.
By your mighty protection
may we be kept safe in body and soul
and serve you with generous and joyful hearts,
bringing glory to your holy name;
through our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ. Amen.
48 After hearing Holy Scripture read
God of wisdom,
grant, we pray, that the words we have heard today
may be grafted in our hearts
so that they may bring forth in us the fruit of good works
to the honour and praise of your name;
through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
49 After hearing Holy Scripture read
Almighty God,
we thank you for your holy word.
May it be a lantern to our feet,
a light to our paths,
and strength to our lives,
in the name of your Son,
Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
50 Dedication
Teach us, gracious Lord,
to begin our works with reverence,
to go on in obedience,
and finish them with love;
and then to wait patiently in hope,
looking joyfully to you
whose promises are faithful and rewards infinite;
through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
51 Grace
Go before us, O Lord, in all our doings
with your most gracious favour,
and assist us with your continual help;
that in all works, begun, continued and ended in you,
we may glorify your holy name,
and finally by your mercy
obtain everlasting life;
through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.