THE Island's Bishop has expressed his support for Japan by circulating a prayer of support.
Bishop Robert Paterson has circulated the following words to comfort the people and churches of Japan.
Lord God our Father,
grant mercy to the people of Japan:
give hope to those who search for loved ones,
peace to those who mourn
and your presence among those who are injured and homeless.
Help us all to respect your creation and its mighty forces,
and teach us to serve one another and you, our Creator;
through Jesus Christ our Lord.
Amen.
Japan was hit by the seventh largest earthquake ever recorded in history last Friday, March 11. The earthquake which measured 9.0 on the Richter scale then triggered a tsunami which hit the east coast of Japan with seven metre high waves. The death toll is expected to rise to around 10,000.
Bishop Paterson has also sent a message of concern to The Most Revd Nathaniel Makoto Uematsu, Primate of the Nippon Sei Ko Kai in Japan.
The Archbishop has published a statement saying: "What we can do right now, however, is pray. Prayer has power.
"I hope and and request that you pray for the people who are affected, for those who have died and for their families. Pray for the people involved with the rescue efforts, and in particular pray for Tohoku and Kita Kanto dioceses and their priests and parishioners during this time of Lent."
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