A Concord Pastor Comments: December 1: World AIDS Day

"My thoughts and prayers go to every person afflicted by this disease, especially the children, the very poor, and all those who are rejected. The Church does all it can to fight AIDS through its institution and staff. I urge everyone to make their contribution with prayers and actual care so that those suffering from the HIV virus may experience the presence of the Lord, source of comfort and hope. Lastly, I hope that, through more coordinated efforts, we may be able to stop and eradicate this disease." - Pope Benedict XVI

Here are two prayers for World AIDS Day

Let us pray...

God of our weary years,
God of our silent tears,
O good and gracious God,
you are the God of health and wholeness.
In the plan of your creation,
you call us to struggle in our sickness
and to cling always to the cross of your Son.
Father, we are your servants.
Many of us are now suffering with HIV or AIDS.
We come before you, and ask you,
if it is your holy will,
to take away this suffering from us,
restore us to health and lead us to know you
and your powerful healing,
love of body and spirit.
We ask you also
to be with those of us who nurse your sick ones.
We are the mothers, fathers, sisters, brothers,
children, and friends of your suffering people.
It is so hard for us to see those whom we love suffer.
You know what it is to suffer.
Help us to minister in loving care, support, and patience
to your people who suffer with HIV or AIDS.
Lead us to do whatever it will take
to eradicate this illness from the lives of those
who are touched by it,
both directly and indirectly.

Trusting in you and the strength of your Spirit,
we pray all these things in the name of Jesus.
Amen.

(The prayer above is from the USCCB)

Dear God,
we ask you to walk with us in our HIV and AIDS filled world.
We pray expecting your presence among us!
Be with all who live with the effects of this disease.
Be with those who wait to die because they have no access to medication.
Be with children who received HIV as a legacy from their parents.
Be with orphans and families who have lost loved ones.
Be with countries who have millions of citizens with HIV/AIDS.
Be with all who are stigmatised and ignored
because they have HIV or AIDS.
Be with politicians and corporate executives
who control access to affordable medications.
Be with researchers and scientists who work to find a cure.
Be with health care workers and caregivers who comfort and encourage.
Be with all who have lost hope because of HIV and AIDS.
Lord, we hear the angel's song of peace!
Fill the hearts of people around the world with good will
so that together we can work for justice and healing
for all who suffer from HIV and AIDS.

Amen.

(The prayer above comes from the Anglican Diocese of Oxford in the UK.)