Prayers following yesterday's London Bridge attack

Source: Wiki image by Andrew Smithson

Churches and faith groups around the country are praying for the victims of yesterday's violent attack on London Bridge yesterday afternoon which left three dead and three people injured.

Archbishop John Wilson, Roman Catholic Archbishop of Southwark - the diocese in which the attack took place said:

"I am appalled to hear of the loss of life and injury to members of the public at London Bridge this evening. Causing bloodshed and harm to others will never be the answer to disagreement and I ask the exceptional London community to come together at this time: we must never allow such actions to divide us!

I entreat fellow clergy and parishioners to join me in praying for the souls of those who lost their lives this evening, for their families, that they will be comforted in their grief, and for those who sustained injuries or have been traumatised.

Finally, I would also like to offer my deep gratitude to the emergency services for their decisive action and thank members of the public who moved swiftly to protect others without thought for themselves.

Tolerance and respectful discourse are the answer to opposing views. We pray for those who have yet to learn the value human life, that they will realise the error or their ways and make amends."

Cardinal Vincent Nichols, Archbishop of Westminster, has tweeted: Yesterday's horrendous events on London Bridge continue to shock us all. Great thanks to all who intervened and saved even worse loss of life and injury. We pull together to build peace between all our fellow citizens and end all hatred! We are brothers and sisters sharing life from God!

The Church of England issued this prayer: "Lord ever watchful and faithful, we look to you to be our defence. Grant courage to those who protect us and comfort to those who are injured and fearful. as we life our hearts to know your help through Jesus Christ. Amen."

The Salvation Army tweeted: "Thoughts and prayers for all caught up in today's London Shooting incident on London Bridge. The Salvation Army stands by to assist emergency services and people evacuated.

Michaela Youngson, speaking on behalf of the Chairs of the London District Methodists said: "It is with shock and sadness that, once more, we hear the news of a violent attack on members of the public in what police have declared a terror related incident. Our prayers and thoughts are with those who have been harmed and frightened in the attack at London Bridge. This is a wonderful and diverse city and we know that Londoners will again stand together and not be divided by actions of hate. Acts of courage by members of the public and our police and emergency services again show us the very best of humanity and we owe them a debt of gratitude.

A prayer:

God of love,

we pray for all caught up in the incident at London Bridge,
for those who have been harmed and frightened,
that wounds will be healed and fears calmed.

We give thanks for the work of the police and emergency services
and all who put themselves at risk for the safety of others.

We pray that Londoners will again find the strength, resolve and love
to stand together against hate.
In the name of the Prince of Peace,

our Lord Jesus Christ, Amen.

The Ahmadiyya Muslim BNE tweeted: 'We categorically reject all forms of terrorism and condemn the attack on London Bridge. Are thoughts and prayers are with the victims and their loved ones along with the emergency services who bravely serve their country. They say Islam has enshrined the sanctity of human life in chapter 5 verse 33 of the Holy Quran which states: 'Whoever killed a person - it shall be as if he killed all mankind; and who se gave life to one, it shall be as if he had given life to all mankind.'