Gracious God, Father of all, Creator of the world, to whom belongs all life, today, on 'World HIV Vaccine Awareness Day', we pray for all who are involved in the research for a vaccine to combat the HIV/AIDS pandemic. Give them wisdom, skill and direction in this undertaking, that their efforts maybe successful.

We pray for all participants in the HIV vaccine trials. Thank you for their courage and faith in the process. We also pray for their families and loved ones who support and encourage them.

Thanks be to God for the generosity of those who contribute financially to this expensive undertaking. We ask that you continue to bless and provide for them.

God is life and health whose love and compassion are renewed daily. We pray for those persons living with and affected by HIV and AIDS. Assure them of your presence and the hope given in your Son Jesus Christ. Provide for them the care and support needed as they face the challenges of HIV and AIDS.

Finally, o God, awaken in the hearts of all your people, love and compassion for all who suffer from grief, pain or disease, especially from HIV and AIDS. Increase our love and decrease stigma and discrimination, so that together, we may work towards the discovery of a vaccine that will prevent the spread of HIV and AIDS and the creation of an accepting environment for persons living with HIV and AIDS.

This we ask through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen

Contributed by Rev Patrick Cunningham,co-chair, Community Advisory Board, HIV Vaccine Trials, Jamaica.