Prayers for Our Sisters and Brothers in Japan

A Prayer for Those Who Suffer in the Aftermath of Earthquake

Lord, at times such as this,
When we realize that the ground beneath our feet
Is not as solid as we had imagined,
We plead for your mercy.

As the things we have built crumble about us,
We know too well how small we truly are
On this ever-changing, ever-moving,
Fragile planet we call home.
Yet you have promised never to forget us.

Do not forget us now.

Today, so many people are afraid.
They wait in fear of the next tremor.
They hear the cries of the injured amid the rubble.
They roam the streets in shock at what they see.
And [fill the] air with wails of grief
And the names of missing dead.

Comfort them, Lord, in this disaster.
Be their rock when the earth refuses to stand still,
And shelter them under your wings when homes no longer exist.

Embrace in your arms those who died so suddenly this day.
Console the hearts of those who mourn,
And ease the pain of bodies on the brink of death.

Pierce, too, our hearts with compassion,
We who watch from afar.
Move us to act swiftly this day,
To give generously every day,
To work for justice always,
And to pray unceasingly for those without hope.

And once the shaking has ceased,
The images of destruction have stopped filling the news,
And our thoughts return to life’s daily rumblings,
Let us not forget that we are all your children
And they, our brothers and sisters.
We are all the work of your hands.

For though the mountains leave their place
And the hills be tossed to the ground,
Your love shall never leave us,
And your promise of peace will never be shaken.

Our help is in the name of the Lord,
Who made heaven and earth.
Blessed be the name of the Lord, now and forever.
AMEN.

Copyright © 2010, Diana Macalintal. Permission is given to reprint for non-commercial use.

God our Father,
You set the earth on its foundation.
Keep us safe from the danger of earthquakes,
And let us always feel the presence of your love.
May we be secure in your protection
And serve you with grateful hearts.
We ask this through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son
Who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit,
One God, forever and ever.
AMEN.

From the Bishops of England and Wales

Gracious God,
You are our refuge and strength, a very present help in time of trouble.
Reveal your presence so that all may know your healing, hope and love.
As the people of Japan suffer in the wake of the earthquakes and the tsunami,
We pray as one community on earth bound together by your grace.
Inspire us to pray, serve and help all those who suffer
And those who labor to help them.
May devastation and mourning give way to relief and hope.

Loving and Merciful God,
Who in Jesus stills the storm and soothes the troubled heart,
Bring hope and courage to all who are affected by these events.
As they wait in uncertainty and fear,
Bring assurance that you are with your children, whatever lies ahead.
Give them courage to endure all that they now face.
May those who serve in disaster relief be strengthened,
and may their service reveal your love and care for all your children.

We ask this through our Lord Jesus Christ,
Your Son who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit,
One God, for ever and ever.
AMEN.