Seasonal Resources - Times of Crisis or Natural Disaster
Bondi Beach terror attack
Fifteen people were killed, with more than 40 injured, when a father and son opened fire at Bondi Beach in Sydney on Sunday 14 December 2025.
We encourage all congregations to mark 14 December in their calendars as a day of remembrance and to pray for the victims, families, first responders and witnesses.
Prayers of the Church and an additional prayer have been prepared and can be found below.
Pray for drought relief 2025
The SA-NT District Office have been preparing prayer and worship resources to support and encourage communities who are coping with drought conditions in our District.
We encourage all congregations to mark 31 August 2025 in their calendars as an acknowledgment and prayer service for communities impacted by drought.
General resources for any year
Australia and New Zealand have both suffered from significant natural disasters and other challenges in recent years. In times of crisis, we can all struggle to find comfort and security, whether we are directly involved or watching helplessly as others suffer.
These additional resources are provided to help congregations draw close to God in times of trouble, and to support and comfort the people around us. While many were produced in response to a specific crisis, they may still be of help in other times of hardship.
Liturgy and Prayers for a Time of Drought
Prayers for a Time of Crisis and Loss written for the LCA by Pastor Aub Podlich
Music suggestions
LHS 815 O Christ the healer, we have come (CCLI, One Licence)
LH 854 Be still my heart (Public Domain)
LHS 862 As we step from the edge of morning (CCLI, One Licence)
LHS 869 Like the deer that yearns (One Licence)
LHS 732/ AT 25 Comfort, Comfort (CCLI, One Licence)
AT 294 God give you joy (One Licence)
AT 490 When human voices cannot sing (CCLI, One Licence)
AT 496 Don't be afraid (CCLI, One Licence)
Robin Mann wrote two new verses for his song 'Comfort, Comfort' specifically in response to the bushfires. The words & the music are free of charge in the wake of Australia’s 2019-2020 bushfires. Download the lyrics here.
Hymn of thanks for Emergency Services
Leigh Newton wrote the following hymn after Black Summer in 2020 for a service of thanks for emergency service workers. He has generously passed it on for use by all churches as we struggle with natural disasters.
Words: Leigh Newton © 2020
Melody: Nun Danket Alle Gott by Johann Cruger 1647 (LH 437/TIS 106) Backing Track
1. Now thank we all our God,
for those who help in crisis,
in rescue, flood and fire,
and those who work in quiet.
For chaplains who give ear
to loss, distress and grief,
who offer sacred space,
that they might bring relief.
2. For those who give themselves,
for love of unknown stranger;
and those who sacrifice
for property and neighbour.
All gratitude be theirs –
these mates who note the call;
who walk the way of love,
and serve all people well.
3. For justice and for love,
and joy of serving others,
for honour and for grace –
in common wealth of colours.
We praise the suff’ring Christ,
who knows the cross we bear;
who walks our troubled road;
brings hope in our despair.
4. Now thank we all our God
For life on Easter dayspring
Good Friday’s loss remains,
But hope is now our wellspring.
These feet and hands are God’s,
enfleshed in answered prayer –
a gift in anxious days,
God’s strength in our despair.
