God of comfort hear us

1. God of comfort hear us

2. To everything there is a season and a time to every purpose under heaven:

3. a time to be born and a time to die,    a time to plant and a time to uproot,

4. a time to kill and a time to heal,    a time to tear down and a time to build,

5. a time to weep and a time to laugh,    a time to mourn and a time to dance,

6. a time to scatter stones and a time to gather them,    a time to embrace and a time to refrain from embracing,

7. a time to search and a time to give up,    a time to keep and a time to throw away,

8. a time to tear and a time to mend,    a time to be silent and a time to speak,

9. a time to love and a time to hate,    a time for war and a time for peace.

10. Today is the time to pray. Today is the time to hope. Today is the time to mourn. Today as a school community and as a New Zealand community we stop to think about and pray for those affected by the earthquake in Christchurch yesterday.

11. A reading from the Gospel according to John: Jesus said: "Do not let your hearts be troubled. Believe in God, believe also in me. In my Father's house there are many dwelling places. If it were not so, would I have told you that I go to prepare a place for you? And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again and will take you to myself, so that where I am, there you may be also. Peace I leave with you; my peace I give to you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled, and do not let them be afraid. This is the Gospel of the Lord

12. Let us pray: We pray for the children in Christchurch, especially those in our fellow Catholic Schools, that they may be cared for and supported within their communities God of comfort, hear us Lord hear our prayer

13. We pray for those who have died in the earthquake, that they may find a dwelling in our Father’s house. God of comfort, hear us Lord hear our prayer

14. We pray for those who have lost loved ones in the earthquake, that they may believe that God will care for their loved ones until they meet again. God of comfort, hear us Lord hear our prayer

15. We pray for the rescuers, search parties, emergency services, support organisations and all volunteers helping in Christchurch, that they may keep safe while they put Jesus love into action God of comfort, hear us Lord hear our prayer

16. We pray for the mayor of Christchurch, the New Zealand government, and all leaders involved in the current rescue efforts and later the rebuilding of the city, that they may work together for the common good. God of comfort, hear us Lord hear our prayer

17. We pray for all those who have lost their homes or livelihoods and those who are trapped and can’t get home, that they may be comforted by the Holy Spirit God of comfort, hear us Lord hear our prayer

18. We pray for all families and friends in Christchurch who have connections with families and friends of our school, that they may be safe and well and know God’s presence and love. God of comfort, hear us Lord hear our prayer

19. Hail Mary full of grace the Lord is with you Blessed are you among women and blessed is the fruit of your womb, Jesus Holy Mary, Mother of God Pray for us sinners Now and at the hour of our death Amen

20. Our Father in heaven Hallowed be your name Your kingdom come Your will be done on earth as it is in heaven Give us this day our daily bread And forgive us our sins As we forgive those who sin against us Save us from the time of trial And deliver us from evil Amen

21. Glory be to the Father And to the Son And to the Holy Spirit As it was in the beginning, is now and ever shall be World without end Amen