My God, my God, why have you forsaken me? Why are you so far from saving me, so far from my cries of anguish?
My God, I cry out by day, but you do not answer, by night, but I find no rest. Yet you are enthroned as the Holy One; you are the one Israel praises. In you our ancestors put their trust; they trusted and you delivered them.
To you they cried out and were saved; in you they trusted and were not put to shame. (Psalm 22:1-5)
Our Lord, our God,
We do not believe you have abandoned those who suffer because of their beliefs. You hear the cries of those who feel forsaken. And with you is the power to save from all injustice and persecution. Draw near especially to Christians who are in anguish this week – living under oppressive regimes or fleeing in fear – and give them rest. Lord, answer our prayers for freedom and justice. Amen.
Loving Lord,
Do not be far from those who are surrounded by trouble. Be their strength; come quickly to help them. Deliver from violence those whose lives are in danger because of their beliefs – especially Christians who may be at greater risk this season. We put our trust in you: the one who rules, enthroned over every nation. Amen
Lord Jesus,
This Holy Week, we remember again how you endured agony on the cross for our sake. We give you glory and honour and praise. Thank you that you are not only able to sympathise with suffering and sorrow, but you can help those who are going through trials and testing. We pray that victory will soon burst forth to banish the darkness – bright as the light of Easter morning. Amen.