22/01/2026
A prayer from the Anglican Diocese of Waiapu...
God of steadfast love,
protector and sustainer of your people,
We bring before you the places of our diocese touched by flooding—the Bay of Plenty - especially Mount Maunganui and Papamoa - and the communities of Tairāwhiti.
We pray for other places too.
We pray for all whānau whose homes, livelihoods, or sense of safety have been shaken.
Be close to those who are evacuated, weary, anxious, or grieving loss.
Grant comfort where there is shock,
hope where there is despair,
and patience where the road ahead feels long.
We hold before you your Church in these places—
for congregations opening their doors,
for clergy and lay leaders offering care,
and for all who are seeking to be signs of your compassion in difficult days.
Give wisdom, resilience, and gentleness in all that is offered.
We pray for emergency services, first responders, and welfare teams:
for those working long hours in dangerous conditions,
making urgent decisions and carrying heavy responsibility.
Sustain them with strength, clarity of mind, and protection from harm.
We pray also for council workers and local authorities,
for engineers, planners, cleaners, and coordinators,
as they work toward safety, recovery, and rebuilding.
Grant good judgement, cooperation, and endurance.
God of creation,
where land and water are unsettled,
bring steadiness.
Where communities are fractured,
bring solidarity.
Where people are exhausted,
bring rest.
Hold all these places and people in your care.
Wrap them in aroha,
and lead them gently toward healing and restoration.
We ask this in the name of Christ,
who stills storms and walks alongside his people. Amen.
