Nippon Sei Ko Kai, the Anglican Church in Japan, has released special prayers to commemorate the triple disaster that struck the country on 11 March 2011.
A 9.0 magnitude earthquake under the sea off the coast of Japan triggered a giant tsunami that swept across north-eastern Japan, travelling up to 10km inland.
It was the largest earthquake to ever hit the country, causing over 15,000 deaths, with thousands more missing.
The tsunami also caused a meltdown at the Fukushima nuclear power plant, leading to the emergency evacuation of hundreds of thousands of residents.
To commemorate the third anniversary of the disaster, churches across Japan will be holding special services on Sunday 9 March.
Nippon Sei Ko Kai has issued the following prayers to be used on this and future anniversaries:
Most merciful and compassionate Lord, we remember before you the Great Eastern Japan Earthquake and Tsunami, which took place (three) years ago. We pray that you will sustain those in the affected areas; those living in places of refuge; especially those who suffer because of the various hardships they experience in Japanese society; and those who have lost hope in the future. (We particularly pray for ____)
We remember before you those who have lost their livelihoods due to the nuclear accident, as well as the damage that has been done to the natural environment. We ask you to protect those forced to live far from their homes; those engaged in dangerous work; and their families. Please lead in the ways of righteousness those in positions of responsibility in government and society.
Help us always to remember those suffering in these situations. We ask you to strengthen the work of the NSKK project "Let's Walk Together Part II" and lead all of us, so that we may join together in body and spirit and continue to walk together with those who suffer.
Lord, source of all life, we ask you to gather in your loving arms all victims of the Great Japan Eastern Earthquake and Tsunami; and victims of war and natural disaster all over the world. Grant them eternal peace.
In the name of our Lord, Jesus Christ. Amen.
Responsive prayers
Officiant: Most merciful and compassionate Lord, we remember before you the Great Eastern Japan Earthquake and Tsunami, which took place (three) years ago. We pray that you will sustain those in the affected areas; those living in places of refuge; especially those who suffer because of the various hardships they experience in Japanese society; and those who have lost hope in the future. (We particularly pray for ____)
Congregation: Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.
Officiant: We remember before you those who have lost their livelihoods due to the nuclear accident, as well as the damage that has been done to the natural environment. We ask you to protect those forced to live far from their homes; those engaged in dangerous work; and their families. Please lead in the ways of righteousness those in positions of responsibility in government and society.
Congregation: Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.
Officiant: Help us always to remember those suffering in these situations. We ask you to strengthen the work of the NSKK project "Let's Walk Together Part II" and lead all of us, so that we may join together in body and spirit and continue to walk together with those who suffer.
Congregation: Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.
Officiant: Lord, source of all life, we ask you to gather in your loving arms all victims of the Great Japan Eastern Earthquake and Tsunami; and victims of war and natural disaster all over the world. Grant them eternal peace.
Congregation: In the name of our Lord, Jesus Christ. Amen.
