Prayers and Thoughts for World Day of Remembrance for Road Crash Victims Nov.20th 2016

Why World Day of Remembrance?             Why World Day of Remembrance? The World Day of Remembrance for Road Traffic Victims (WDR) is observed on the third Sunday of November each year by an increasing number of countries on every continent around the world. This day is dedicated to remembering the many millions killed or injured in road crashes and their families and communities, as well as to pay tribute to the dedicated emergency crews, police and medical professionals who daily deal with the traumatic aftermath of road death and injury.

Victims are remembered with prayers, candles, Balloons, minutes of silence, vigils , and flower-laying ceremonies

Introductory Prayer Let us remember before God all those who are on our hearts today; those whom we have known and loved, and those whose names are unknown to us; those who have lost their lives on the roads; those who have been hurt in their bodies, minds or emotions; and all whose lives have been damaged in any way. Let us commend them to God's infinite mercy and goodness and let us surround them now with our own compassion and love.

Prayers of Intercession We pause for a moment to remember in a special way those whom we have known who have been killed in road accidents………. Heavenly Father, we ask you to give them eternal rest and peace with you. We remember their families and friends who are suffering loss and pain and ask you to comfort them. We pray that they will experience your healing love. Lord hear us R. Lord graciously hear us.

Prayers of Intercession O God, we give thanks for those who help when things go wrong, for the motoring organizations, the police and rescue services, the hospitals and all who care for the injured. Give courage to those who minister to the victims of accidents, and help them to minister to those in need as did the great healer, Jesus Christ. Lord Hear us R. Lord graciously hear us.

Prayers of Intercession We pray for those who tend to be careless in the way that they use the roads and their vehicles. Give them an insight into the risk and danger into which they put other road users through their lack of thought and consideration for the safety of others. Protect them from the agony of knowing that their negligence has brought about injury or death of another person. Lord hear us R. Lord graciously hear us.

A Promise ‘I go to prepare a place for you’ John 14:2 Perhaps if we could see The beauty of the land To which our loved are called From you and me We’d understand. 2 Perhaps if we could hear The welcome they receive From old familiar voices – All so dear, We would not grieve. 3 Perhaps if we could know The reason why they went We’d smile – and wipe away The tears that flow And wait content.

Concluding Prayer We thank You, God of Love, for bringing us together to worship You today: for the opportunity to lay our grief and pain before You, and to be united with others who have been affected by the same loss and pain. We ask you to help all make our roads safer through diligence, care, and respect for other road users. Amen