The Moderator of the General Assembly of the Church of Scotland, Rt Rev Dr Martin Fair, has written a prayer reflecting on yesterday’s train tragedy which happened near Stonehaven.

It scarcely bears thinking about; a loved one heading off to work or on a trip and never coming back.

Yet following yesterday’s train tragedy by Stonehaven, that’s exactly where three sets of families and friends find themselves.

Will you join me in prayer?

God, though we can’t begin to explain it, we believe that you are there in the darkest of places and that your compassion knows no bounds.

Hear us then as we pray for the families and friends of those who died yesterday.

Hear us as we pray for colleagues – drivers, conductors, stewards – that they might be comforted in their grief and supported as they themselves return to work.

Hear us as we pray with gratitude for the members of the emergency services who responded as they always do, with courage and skill.

Hear us as we pray for the injured and traumatised; those who were passengers and who walked or were carried away.

Hear us as we pray for those who will investigate the accident. Give them wisdom that lessons learned might make similar tragedies less likely.

We bring our prayers to you, Eternal God, asking for all concerned a full measure of your peace which, we believe, passes all understanding.

We pray in Jesus’ name.

Amen.