成人快手

A spiritual comment and prayer to begin the day with Bishop David Walker

Good Morning.

Three and a half years after I had returned to my birth city of Manchester as its bishop, a terrorist detonated a bomb in the foyer of a concert venue, killing both himself and some 22 others. Part of my duties became to help my city grieve. Over the weeks and months that followed I got to know some of those who had lost loved ones in the attack. I learned how much it had mattered to them that their grief was not only a private thing, but deeply shared by the city, the nation, and many across the world. I discovered also how much they appreciated the opportunities some had had to share their stories with Royal visitors.

One of the duties our Royal Family have taken upon themselves, is to be present with those who have suffered injury or bereavement in some major catastrophe or disaster. To be able to share our personal loss in a private moment, with one who symbolises our common life, is to be assured that our hurt is also the nation's hurt. I know that such encounters have been deeply comforting to the victims of tragedy.

Not only those who have experienced such comfort in times past, but all of us, as a nation, have opportunity now to respond in turn; to share the grief of those who have been there to share our times of national grieving.

Almighty God,
At this time of bereavement, in both commonwealth and nation,
We give thanks for how our Royal family have supported others in times of loss.
Help us this day, to hold them before you in their own time of grief,
Supporting them in our prayers, even if we cannot by our presence.
And may you be the source of their greatest comfort, now and always.

Amen.