1.
God of justice and righteousness,
Through the ages you have heard the cries
of the persecuted and the oppressed.
You have been to them like a wall of protection
and an oasis of refreshment.
You are the God who lifts up the downtrodden
and casts the wicked down to the ground.
Hear now the cries of the persecuted people
of East Timor, and come to their aid.
Move the government of Indonesia to act effectively
to stop lawlessness and violence.
Stir the consciences of the evildoers
and frustrate their devilish plans.
We pray for the U.N. and Kofi Anan
and the international workers remaining in Timor,
that they may devise strategies to stop the killing.
Give wisdom and courage to the Australian government
as it considers its options to help the Timorese.
We pray for Bishop Belo and priests and ministers
of both the Catholic and Protestant churches
as they act courageously to support and protect their people.
Lord God, we feel so utterly helpless.
All we can do is to call on you and hope in you.
Hear our prayers and respond to the cries of your people.
We pray in Jesus' name. Amen.

2.
Almighty God, Lord of the nations,
stir up the political leaders of the world
to seek peace, establish justice and defend freedom

Good Lord, hear us.

Strengthen especially those who hold power in Indonesia
to act justly and decisively to maintain law and order
throughout their nation, and to protect the weak and powerless.

Good Lord, hear us.

Hasten the time when the people of East Timor will be able
to enjoy the independence which they have voted for.
Protect their leaders and prepare them for
the task of reconstruction and nation-building

Good Lord, hear us.

Inspire the ministers of the gospel and the leaders of the churches
in East Timor and grant them wisdom and courage
in this time of fierce trial

Good Lord, hear us.

Show us in Australia what we can best do
to help our neighbours and to save them
from the onslaughts of their enemies.

Good Lord, hear us.

Bless the efforts of our International Mission officers
and the leaders of the Catholic Church in Australia
as they seek to support the churches in East Timor
in this time of crisis.

Lord hear our prayers.

Lord God, through your Holy Spirit, plant in our hearts
a deep and lasting compassion for all who are hurting
because of injustice and violence.
Forgive us for our own acts of injustice,
help us to change where we are in error,
and to live according to your holy word,
through Jesus Christ, our Lord. Amen.