Prayers and reflections for Liverpool

On Behalf of the North West England District and of all Methodists in Liverpool, the District Chair, the Revd Dr James Tebbutt, and the Deputy District Chair and Liverpool Plus Mission Area Lead, the Revd Caroline Ainger, have expressed their shock and solidarity with those directly impacted upon by the horrific event, with all the communities affected by it, and with all those for whom there is resonance with events causing distress and harm wherever they have occurred.

For the people of Liverpool and more widely, they offer this prayer:

God of life,
You are our strength,
You are our peace,
You are our hope.

In our fear, anger, sadness and confusion we turn to you and we discover that you are already with us: in the courage and compassion of all those who are acting for good, including the first responders, the emergency services, the leaders of our City, and the people of our region.

Heal us, that we might not give into hatred or despair.
Unite us, that we might help one another through these difficult times.
Lead us, that we might be renewed by your love.
In Jesus' name we pray.

Amen.

Churches Together in Merseyside have released the following statement and prayer

You can also view this on their website.

On behalf of Merseyside Church Leaders We are appalled and saddened by the events that unfolded in the wake of Liverpool’s victory parade. Those who simply wanted to celebrate and witness what should have been an unforgettable moment for all the right reasons, are now confronted with trauma and pain that will forever overshadow this day.

The full circumstances have yet to emerge, and this is not a time for assumption or speculation. Let us instead come together as a community and hold those caught up in this dreadful incident in our thoughts and our prayers. Without in any way diminishing their ordeal, let us remember that this is an isolated incident, and our city will always be defined by all that this parade was intended to epitomise. We will never walk alone!

We offer this prayer for those who might find it helpful:

Gracious and loving God Bring peace to our troubled city
Calm to our aching hearts
And hope in the midst of disbelief and despair.
Help us not to pass judgement on what we do not yet know,
As we hold in our thoughts and prayers
Those who suffer the physical and mental scars of this dreadful event.
Though our celebrations have so cruelly turned to tragedy,
Help us to stand more strongly together,
And remain champions of goodness and compassion.

Amen.