World AIDS Day
Yesterday was World AIDS Day, and even though everyone knows about this disease, we really need to keep pushing our government and others around the world to keep their promise to put real funds at work to do something about it. This is not optional. AIDS has killed more than 25 million people since it was first diagnosed in 1981, making it one of the most destructive epidemics in recorded history. Currently, the World Health Organization estimates that there are about 40 million people living with the human immunodeficiency virus, and in 2005 alone approximately 3 million adults and children died from the disease. In the Anglican Cycle of Prayer, we are asked the following:
Pray for greater awareness of HIV and AIDS, for greater dignity and rights of people living with HIV and AIDS, for more compassion and care, for the rejection of discrimination and stigmatisation, for wider prevention activities that address root causes of vulnerability, for efficient mobilisation of resources and treatments, for increased access to treatments and care, for support for those left behind to grieve the loss of their loved ones, and for trust and hope in our God. Lord hear our prayer.
I leave you with this prayer from the National Episcopal AIDS Coalition
Merciful God,
we remember before you all who are sick this day, and especially all persons with AIDS or HIV infection.
Give them courage to live with their disease.
Help them to face and overcome their fears.
Be with them when they are alone or rejected.
Comfort them when they are discouraged.
And touch them with your healing Spirit that they may find and possess eternal life, now and forever.
Amen.
