God help us...

Thousands of people worried about the credit crunch are seeking solace in a Church of England website that features an online "prayer for the current financial situation".

The site includes a 13-line invocation which calls for help in these financially uncertain times.

It begins: "Lord God, we live in disturbing days: across the world, prices rise, debts increase, banks collapse, jobs are taken away" and asks God to be a "tower of strength among the shifting sands".

It has been viewed by more than 8,000 since it was posted on the church's website last month.

The Archbishop of Canterbury, Dr Rowan Williams, gave his blessing to it. He said: "At this time of international financial turbulence, it is important that the Church should be offering the opportunity for prayer and reflection."

The site also has advice for those affected by the crisis.