National Missing Persons Week (NMPW) is an annual event held during the first week of August which aims to raise awareness of the significant issues associated with missing persons, as well as helping to reduce the incidence and impact of missing persons in Australia. 2018 is the 30 year anniversary of the week commemorated across the country.
A prayer
We gather to give thanks for God’s presence in all of creation.
O God, You are the Good Shepherd, the one who seeks out those who are lost.
Today we remember persons listed as missing.
They are someone’s family; they are also our missing brothers and sisters.
They are people who are hurt, troubled and confused;
some are exploited and are victims of violence and conflict.
Some are victims of domestic strife, or have mental health problems.
Some are unable cope with shame, guilt, or failure.
We do not always know the reason.
We remember the families of missing persons
and those who are bewildered, grieved and worried.
We remember families plagued by the uncertainty
associated with loved ones who are missing.
We give thanks for those who search for missing persons;
police, auxiliary agencies and families.
Strengthen them with courage and perseverance.
Bless those who offer support and hope.
Loving God; comfort all who are effected by separation
and who are plagued by uncertainty.
Bless and guide all who are involved in managing and resolving missing person cases.
We ask this through Christ our Lord who suffers with all creation and whose presence begets reconciliation, peace and hope. Amen
(Source: SA Council of Churches website)
God of love,
We pray for all people who are missing from their home and from their community – those who are experiencing dementia, rejection, mental illness or breakdown in relationships; those who feel shame, guilt, failure or misunderstanding; those who have suffered conflict and division, or are victims of violence and crime.
May they be encouraged by loving encounters as they take their next steps.
God of hope,
We pray for people saddened by separation, tormented by uncertainty and plagued with
doubt and self-reproach.
May they be comforted by hope as they face each day.
God of faithfulness,
We pray for those who continue to search for people who are missing.
May they have hearts that are filled with compassion, understanding and perseverance.
Eternal God, may we do all we can to be united as brothers and sisters, whoever we are and wherever we may be.
May we come to look upon one another with the same loving look with which you look upon each one of us. And may we all contribute to creating homes and communities where all are loved, welcomed and belong.
We ask this through Jesus Christ who came as brother and servant to all. Amen
(Source: SA Council of Churches website)
