A prayer on the anniversary of the Aberfan disaster

God of grace and compassion, we pray for the people and community of Aberfan. 

The world watched 60 years ago as the tip slide engulfed Pantglas School and took away so many hopes for the future.

In time, news coverage and the world focus slipped away as the community was left to rebuild and recover hope. Since then, the village has lived with pain, loss and anger: mourning those who died and supporting survivors and bereaved families.

We thank you for faithful leaders who ministered in your name to the families; for consistent pastoral care in the pain and the aftermath and for encouragement to rebuild their lives.

Today, as we remember the 116 children and 28 adults who died – and the lives impacted by that – we commend Aberfan to the God who knows our darkest moments and meets us in our brokenness.

We know that the promise of our faith is a day when all pain, sickness and tears will be wiped away.

Give us faith to live in that promise, now and always.

Amen.