Whether we know victims directly, or only indirectly, we are all affected by the terrible tragedy that happened in Crans Montana on 1st January 2026. A message from our Bishop Robert can be found under this link: Diocese in Europe
Prayers that were led by Rev Helen Marshall in our church this morning included the one from Bishop Robert as well as the following prayers:
We remember those who have died
Loving God,
We commend to your mercy all those who have died in this terrible fire. We lament the young lives that have been lost, each one a unique person, treasured and loved by their families and friends, and loved by you. May those who have died be welcomed in your love. May they rest in peace and rise in glory.
Amen
We remember those who are badly injured, many of them fighting for their lives in hospitals
Loving God,
We pray for all those suffering from severe burns; those who are in a critical condition in hospital. Have mercy on them as they fight for their lives. May they receive the best medical treatment. Comfort and strengthen those who will bear painful scars in body, mind and spirit, for years to come; may they know the healing power of the love of family and friends, and of your enduring love for them.
Amen
We remember the families of those who have died and those who have been injured
Loving God,
We remember before you the families of those who have died or been injured: fathers, mothers, brothers, sisters, boyfriends, girlfriends, husbands, wives, children. Hold them in their shock, ease their unbearable pain and overwhelming grief, bring hope to those in despair. For Jesus Christ’s sake. Amen.
God, our strength and our redeemer:
You do not leave us in this life
Nor abandon us in death.
Hear our prayer for those in despair,
When days are full of darkness
And the future empty of hope.
Renew in them your sustaining strength
For we believe that there is nothing in all creation
Can separate us from your love
In Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen
We remember all those who are providing medical care and other forms of support
Loving God,
We give thanks for all those emergency services who responded so quickly to those in desperate need. We pray for doctors, and nurses, surgeons and other medical staff caring for those now in hospital. Sustain them, give them wisdom, skill and compassion. We pray too for those who will, in time, offer counselling and other forms of support. May your healing love be at work in the care that they offer. We also pray for Embassies and their staff providing help and support to those who may not know what has happened to their loved ones. Give strength, wisdom and courage to all those working long hours to provide help in various ways to those in desperate need.
In Jesus’ name we pray. Amen
We remember local churches and other congregations who will seek to show love to those affected
Loving God,
We pray for the local churches of Crans-Montana and the surrounding area. Give to all ministers and congregations your tender compassion and loving grace, that they may know how to best support the families and friends of those affected. May this disaster draw people closer together and may they find in pain and darkness the light and hope of your presence, God with us. We remember the Anglican Chaplaincies of Switzerland, especially those who have any link to those involved in this terrible event. For our own church, we pray for deep compassion and faithful prayer, as we seek to be people of light and hope in this world.
We pray in Jesus’ name. Amen.
We remember the local community of Crans-Montana in terrible shock
Loving God,
We pray for the local people of Crans-Montana in shock at all that has happened. Bring them hope and strength as they seek to respond to this crisis in their midst. We especially pray for community leaders and those with responsibility for this community, and we remember those who owned and worked at the bar La Constellation, and other businesses in the area. As investigations continue, may there be lessons learned for the future. May your light and hope be at work in this community now and in the years to come.
In Jesus’ name,
Amen
As we draw our prayers to an end, 2 short readings:
The light shines in the darkness and the darkness has not overcome it. (John 1:5)
Then I saw a new heaven and a new earth; for the first heaven and the first earth had passed away….And I heard a voice from the throne saying,
‘See, the home of God is among mortals.
He will dwell with them;
They will be his peoples,
And God himself will be with them;
He will wipe every tear from their eyes.
Death will be no more;
Mourning and crying and pain will be no more,
For the first things have passed away.’ (Revelation 21:1, 3-4)
Closing Prayer – pray for ourselves and all those affected
God of hope,
We come to you in shock and grief and confusion of heart.
Help us to find peace in the knowledge
Of your loving mercy to all your children,
And give us light to guide us out of darkness
Into the assurance of your love
In Jesus Christ our Lord,
Amen
Blessing
May the peace of God which passes all understanding
Guard your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus,
And the blessing of God almighty,
Father, Son, and Holy Spirit,
Be with you and with all those we have prayed for,
Now and always.
Amen