We join in prayer for those affected by the earthquake which struck the town of Cianjur in West Java, Indonesia on Monday 21 November 2022.
Prayer for victims of Java earthquake from World Council of Churches Ecumenical Prayer Cycle, 20 - 26 November 2022
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Prayer in remembrance of the victims of natural disasters Stay with us, Lord, in this devastating moment when waters roll above our heads, smashing trees, destroying houses, flooding rice fields, swallowing cattle herds, chasing people running to save their lives. Stay with us, Lord, in the dark moments, open our eyes that we may recognize you as the risen One, who has defeated death and its sting; who has come by water and blood; who has been baptized with water by John; who has changed water into wine; who has calmed the stormy sea; who has given living water; who wipes away our tears. Stay with us, Lord, in the uncertain moments. With your Holy Spirit raise us from our hopelessness, wipe away our disbelief and strengthen our faith, so that our hearts will burn to proclaim your resurrection, the water of life springing forth and bringing hope. © 2005 Ester Pudjo Widiasih, Jakarta Theological Seminary, Jakarta, Indonesia. |
Christian Conference of Asia
CCA offers prayers for victims of earthquake in Java, Indonesia
The Christian Conference of Asia (CCA) is deeply saddened to learn about the 5.6 magnitude earthquake that struck Cianjur region, West Java, Indonesia.
The powerful earthquake left 162 dead with over 700 injured, with collapsing infrastructure being responsible for many casualties. The earthquake caused considerable damage with landslides also occurring after the initial tremors. The earthquake itself was quite shallow, occurring at a 10 km depth.
Rescue operations are underway, as there are fears the number of deaths and injuries could be higher with people still trapped under rubble. The affected area is densely populated with many poorly constructed buildings. Electricity outages are slowing rescue and recovery efforts.
The tremors were also strongly felt in Indonesia’s capital city, Jakarta, located 100 km away.
The CCA General Secretary, Dr Mathews George Chunakara, expressed concern and deep sympathy for those affected and bereaved, and offered prayers.
The CCA General Secretary contacted CCA member church representatives in Jakarta and conveyed a message of solidarity and prayer support at this time of great sorrow: “Our thoughts and prayers are with those affected by this calamity. We offer prayers of consolation and comfort for all who have lost their loved ones and for the safe recovery of the injured. We also offer prayers for all who are engaged in the rescue operations in strenuous circumstances.”
CCA member churches on the Java island in Indonesia include the Gereja Kristen Pasundan (Pasundan Christian Church), Gereja Kristen Indonesia (Indonesia Christian Church), Gereja Protestan di Indonesia Bagian Barat (The Protestant Church in Western Part of Indonesia), Gereja Isa Almasih (Church of Jesus Christ in Indonesia), Gereja Kristen Muria Indonesia (The Muria Christian Churches in Indonesia), Sinode Gereja Gereja Kristen Jawa (Javanese Christian Churches), and the Gereja Kristen Jawi Wetan (Christian Church of Eastern Java).
Uniting Church in Australia Assembly
President of the Uniting Church in Australia Rev Sharon Hollis has offered this prayer, translated into Indonesian by Assembly National Consultant Rev Dr Apwee Ting.
| God of mercy,
We pray for the people of Indonesia and particularly the people of West Java following the recent earthquake. Be with them as they search for survivors and recover the bodies of those who have died.
God of love we pray For comfort for those grieving For healing for those who are injured For strength for first responders and medical staff For wisdom for those who will plan the recovery.
Grant the people of West Java courage and strength as they rebuild homes and businesses. Grant them hope and resilience as they rebuild lives and communities.
Stir up a spirit of generosity in us that we may respond to the needs of our neighbours
with abundance and open heartedness. Amen.
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