Litany for Haiti

Almighty and gracious God, we come to You with our hearts full of prayers both spoken and those that cannot be put into words. As the ancient psalmist wrote You are our refuge and strength, even though the earth be moved and mountains cast into the sea. So with quiet confidence we offer our prayers to You for the people of Haiti stricken by violent earthquakes, terrifying entrapment in rubble, and devastation on a national scale. Gather them under Your wings, calm their fears and keep their faith strong.

Lord hear our prayers.

At a time like this we stand in awe of the power of nature - the earth itself - with its terrible capacity to destroy as well as to save and we are reminded of our vulnerability as human creatures who inhabit this vast planet. We bring to You in prayer our questions, our humility and also our trust in this hour of need.

Lord hear our prayers.

We pray for those who grieve the loss of family, friends and neighbors, for those who are injured, those separated and searching for family, and especially for those who have been trapped in the rubble, Lord be close to them in that horrifying darkness. We ask for Your continued presence with them and we commend to Your loving care all those who have died.

Lord hear our prayers.

We also commend to Your loving care all those who are involved in rescuing people and those caring for the injured in hospitals and clinics. Be with all the churches and people as they minister in Your name to the people. Sustain them through this time of tremendous loss and stress.

Lord hear our prayers.

We commend to Your care those who will be working in debris removal and cleaning up. We especially pray for those burdened by unimaginable losses and who have found themselves refugees in their own country. May shelter and clean water and food and medicines and comfort be supplied as quickly as possible.

Lord hear our prayers

We pray especially the poor, who live throughout Haiti and those whose livelihoods have been lost or impacted by this disaster and ask that You would raise them up and bless them. We pray for those whose workplaces have become unsafe and who face an uncertain future and ask that they may find the assistance they need

Lord hear our prayers.

We pray for communities that have been devastated that they may live and learn and support one another and have joy in their lives once again. May this disaster bring people together to rebuild their cities, and to fill their lives with justice, their plates with food and their streets with music. Bring them peace and healing from all evil.

Lord hear our prayers.

We pray for those traveling, who feel homesick and far away from loved ones and their homes at this time; those who are trying to get in contact with family and who are worried and frustrated and who long to embrace their families. Comfort families across the distance.

Lord hear our prayers.

We give thanks to God for the blessings in our lives, especially the gifts we so often take for granted until they are in danger of being taken away from us - the gift of family, friends, a home, our possessions. Most of all we praise God for the gift of life itself.

Lord hear our prayers.

We also pray for all people of the human family all around the world affected by other natural disasters. O God, Great Shepherd of the sheep, gather us all in Your arms and lead us safely within the one fold of Your love.

Lord hear us, Lord hear our prayer

*adapted  from a Uniting Church service (Australia) that itself was modified by the Rev. Laurel Barr.

Comments

[Monk-in-training]

Amen Feodor, we, as the Body, participate in oppression and must be more and more aware of it, thank you for adding that.

James Patrick

[Feodor]

We confess our complicity in the cycle of colonialism and post-colonial oppression and theft of Haitian resources that has served to deepen their tragedy. O God of the prophets, give us prophetic vision and courage to resist supporting our national security and domestic consumption when it empties the lives and resources of others.

Lord hear our prayers.

[Brandon]

Amen.

[L.Pongo]

Thankyouthankyouthankyou... This is exactly what I was looking for this morning--- after a weekend of 'Please God please God-send help,be with all of them-please God be present to all....' ----to sit down with in order to more calmly direct loving thoughts to all involved.
Thank you for sharing. LJP/New Jersey.