Download the Word version

"The Lord does not abandon us, he does not leave us alone, for he has united himself definitively to our earth, and his love constantly impels us to find new ways forward. Praise be to him!"  
-  Pope Francis, Laudato Si'!

Lord, in any time of great need we plead for your mercy. Today we pray for those who suffer the immediate and the lasting effects of natural disasters (and especially for _____ ).

In the immediate aftermath of a disaster, many people are afraid, fearing for their lives, fearing their loved ones are among the dead and injured and fearing for their future safety. Those who are injured and ill cry for relief. We pray for their comfort and that they be relieved of fear. May hope sustain them, console their hearts and ease their pain. 

Lord, as they move forward, help us to help them, to know what to do and to have the compassion, fortitude and creativity to do it. Move us to respond to the urgent needs that cannot wait. Steady us to be there in the future as the victims of disasters rebuild. Give us the gifts of solidarity and generosity─in our prayers and our contributions.

We are all brothers and sisters: we are the work of your hands. Receive the dead into your love. Comfort the survivors with the power and protection of your peace. May we love as you love, and may we all find peace in this tumultuous world.

Our help is in the name of the Lord, who made heaven and earth. Amen.

Related information:

» Providing Disaster Relief — Catholic Charities

» Catholics Confront Global Poverty