Cyclone Alfred - Word of Encouragement & Prayer from the Moderator

Dear Friends in Christ,

As we face the imminent arrival of Tropical Cyclone Alfred, which is expected to make landfall across Southeast Qld & Northern NSW by early Saturday morning, I want to reach out to you with words of encouragement, care, and faith.

Let us find solace in our faith and the strength of what we find by being part of a wider community of care, remembering the words of Isaiah 41:10: “Do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God.” 

In times of uncertainty and challenge, we remember that we are never alone—God walks with us through every storm. Let us hold onto this promise, finding courage and hope amidst the storm. I encourage you to take all necessary precautions to ensure your safety and the safety of those around you. Please check in with your neighbours, offer support where possible, and reach out if you need assistance. As a church community, we are here for one another, offering love, comfort, and practical help in times of need.

Let us also hold in prayer those who are most vulnerable —the elderly, the sick, the homeless and others who are facing this storm without secure shelter.  We think also of the emergency workers who are already serving tirelessly assisting the community to prepare for the possible impact of what might come.  May God’s peace be with them and with us all.

Psalm 46 reminds us: “God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble. Therefore, we will not fear, though the earth should change.” May this promise strengthen and sustain us in the days ahead.

As we brace for Cyclone Alfred, let us come together in prayer, preparation, and mutual support. May our actions reflect the love and compassion that Christ teaches us, and may we emerge from this challenge with strengthened bonds and renewed faith.

Please stay safe, take care of one another, and reach out if you need support.

With prayerful concern, love and hope,

 

Rev Bruce Moore
Moderator, Qld Synod

 

Let me offer this prayer:

 

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Almighty God,

The earth is yours and everything in it.

You are not surprised by anything, nor alarmed by any disaster.

We thank you for your Son, Jesus, who didn't encounter a storm he could not sleep through or walk through.

We thank you for the knowledge that, no matter the storm, you are with us.

We come to you humbled by the power in your creation,
creation that speaks of your wonder and majesty.

We confess our need of you - our hope and salvation, our strong tower,
and our ever present help in times of need.

We ask for your help.

Where there is fear, may you reign as the Prince of Peace.

Where there is anxiety, may we heed the Spirit's call to 'be still,
and know that I am God.'

Where there is worry, give us courage.

Where there is a desire to shrink back and worry only about ourselves, remind us of our neighbours, family and friends.

Give us the right words at the right time.

Give us strength and grace when the time comes to repair
what the storm has broken.

We lift up our leaders in government and from community service agencies
give them wisdom, give them strength, grace and unity.

We also lift up emergency workers and first responders - protect them and give them strength as they stand in the gap for our community.

May you strengthen us for the days ahead.

In the name of Jesus we pray,

Amen.