Call to Worship: Isaiah 43: 2

Here’s a call to worship inspired by Isaiah 43:2. It was written by Rev. Mindi and posted on her Rev-o-lution blog.

Call to Worship

(Inspired by Isaiah 43:2)

When we pass through the waters,

God is there with us.

When we suffer and feel hopeless,

God is there with us.

When we are joyful and celebratory,

God is there with us.

Whether we feel triumphant or defeated,

God is there with us, always.

Come, let us worship together with Emmanuel,

God with us. 

~ written by Rev. Mindi, and posted on Rev-o-lution. http://rev-o-lution.org/2011/10/23/worship-resources-for-october-30-2011-and-all-saints-day/

Prayer for Comfort

Here’s a prayer from Jennifer Brownell and the RevGalBlogPals website.

Prayer

When we cry,

Wipe our eyes.

When we stumble,

Catch us.

When we are hungry,

Feed us.

When we are ill,

Soothe us.

When we are weary,

Cover us with the warmth of your love.

God our Mother,

Comfort us

Today and every day

We pray.

Amen.

~ written by Jennifer Brownell and posted on the RevGalBlogPals website. https://revgalblogpals.org/2016/02/06/comfort-saturday-prayer/

A Prayer for the Philippines

Here’s a prayer for the situation in the Philippines from Rev. Mindi’s Rev-o-lution blog.

Prayer for the People of the Philippines

Holy Creator,

We cannot fathom the loss, the despair, the destruction.

We cannot comprehend the grief, the anguish, the mourning.

We cannot make meaning, sense, understanding, of what has happened.

We hold the country of the Philippines in our minds.

We hold the home of so many in our hearts.

We hold the lives of tens of thousands in our prayers.

Holy Spirit,

We ask for the wisdom to be silent and to listen.

We ask for the strength to reach out with helping hands.

We ask for the courage to have hope in humanity.

We seek guidance to avoid empty words.

We seek gently to offer assistance in helpful ways.

We seek our brothers and sisters in need.

Holy Savior,

We desire to show compassion.

We desire to embrace our sisters and brothers.

We desire to love our neighbor as ourselves.

We trust in Your love and grace.

We trust in Your hope and faith.

We trust in Your promise of resurrection and new life.

Loving God,

Move our hearts to know our Filipino brothers and sisters in our homelands.

Move in our hearts to reach out in caring ways.

Move in our hearts so that we might seek justice for the poor,

become better stewards of the earth we all share,

and work to reduce the impact of such events

on the poor, the homeless, and the marginalized.

In the name of Jesus,

who is our companion through all storms, we pray. Amen.

~ written by Rev. Mindi, and posted on Rev-o-lution.  http://rev-o-lution.org/2013/11/14/a-prayer-for-the-philippines/

Prayer after Devastation

Here’s a prayer of thanksgiving from Eliza Buchakjian-Tweedy, inspired by the recent devastation in the Philippines and the tornadoes in the United States.  It’s is based on Psalm 46, Colossians 1 and 1 Corinthians 12.

Prayer after Devastation

(inspired by Psalm 46, Colossians 1, and 1 Corinthians 12)

God is our refuge and strength,

always ready to help in times of trouble.

We give thanks for God's presence,

the Sovereign who dwells with us in humility,

accepting our pain and our weakness in love.

So we will not fear, even if earthquakes come,

and the mountains crumble into the sea.

We give thanks for God's promises,

that allow us to let go of the fears and anxiety that keep us paralyzed,

that give the darkness such power over us.

Let the oceans roar and foam.

Let the mountains tremble as the waters surge!

We give thanks that we can grieve the losses,

we can mourn the destruction,

but they shall not consume us. 

God is with us, in grief as in love,

and our hearts shall be open to grace.

The Lord Almighty is here among us;

the God of Israel is our fortress.

We give thanks that the Body of Christ is present:

the hands of God offering comfort,

the eyes of God weeping with us,

the feet of God walking alongside us,

the strength of God helping us to rebuild. 

The Lord Almighty is here among us:

we are the Body of Christ. 

Thanks be to God!

~ written by Eliza Buchakjian-Tweedy, Pastor at First Church Congregational, Rochester, NH.  She blogs at http://sermonizing.wordpress.com/

Prayer of Intercession: The Philippines

If your prayers this week include intercession for The Philippines after Typhoon Haiyan, here’s a prayer that might be helpful.  It comes from the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America.

Prayer for those Suffering from Storms or Flooding

Loving God,

in the communion of Christ,

we are joined with the trials and sufferings of all.

Be with those who endure the wind and rain/flooding.

Protect those in the path of danger.

Open the pathway of evacuations.

Help loved ones find one another in the chaos.

Provide assistance to those who need help.

Ease the fears of all

and make your presence known in the stillness of your peace;

Through Jesus Christ, our Savior and Lord. Amen.

~ posted on the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America website. http://www.elca.org/Growing-In-Faith/Worship.aspx

The Canadian Foodgrains Bank has compiled a variety of other prayers for The Philippines.  You can see them here: http://www.foodgrainsbank.ca/prayers_for_those_affected_by_typhoon_haiyan.aspx

Responsive Prayer: The Philippines

Here’s a responsive prayer from the Mennonite Central Committee.  It was written for Japan, but seems equally suitable for the recent disaster in The Philippines.

Prayer for Others in the Face of Disaster

Creator God,

you have created the heavens and the earth,

the seas and the mountains and all that dwell within them.

How majestic is your name!

Who are we, mere people, that you are so mindful of us,

blessed by your eternal love?

Help us Lord, to be still and know that you are God.

Lord in your mercy,

Hear our prayers.

Listening God,

you hear the cries of those in anguish –

in Japan, in Libya, in Ivory Coast, in Egypt, in Sudan, in Afghanistan,

in so many places around the world,

shaken by earthquakes and wars,

flooded by tsunamis and violence.

Bring comfort to those who mourn,

strength to those who suffer,

healing to those who are afflicted.

Lord in your mercy,

Hear our prayers.

Forgiving God,

we confess that we do not always know

how to respond to stories of despair and disaster.

Forgive us when we react in ignorance

or are overwhelmed by all that we see and hear

and do not act at all.

Lord in your mercy,

Hear our prayers.

Compassionate God,

whose love never fails,

teach us again how to love as you do,

that we might be your hands and feet in the world,

bringing water to those who thirst,

food to those who hunger,

clothing for those who are naked,

shelter for those who are homeless,

medicine for those who are sick,

friendship to those who are imprisoned.

Help us to see the world as you see it.

Lord in your mercy,

Hear our prayers.

In all these things,

we come asking that you guide us by your Spirit.

Lord in your mercy

Hear our prayers.

in the name of the Father

and of the Son

and of the Holy Spirit, Amen.

~ posted on the Mennonite Central Committee US website. http://www.mcc.org/japan-earthquake/prayer

The Canadian Foodgrains Bank has compiled a variety of other prayers for The Philippines.  You can see them here: http://www.foodgrainsbank.ca/prayers_for_those_affected_by_typhoon_haiyan.aspx

A Prayer for The Philippines

Here’s a prayer which seems especially appropriate for the recent disaster in The Philippines.  It was inspired by Isaiah 58: 10-12 and Isaiah 61: 3-4.

When the Waters Rise

(inspired by Isaiah 58:10-12, Isaiah 61:3-4)

God our help and hope when waters rise,
you brought Israel safely through the sea.
Sustain all those who seek to save others,
so that they may repair the ruined cities,
raise up the former devastations,
and be the restorers of streets to live in;
through Jesus Christ, our eternal savior.

~ posted on the website of the Presbyterian Mission Agency. http://www.presbyterianmission.org/ministries/pda/prayers-times-trouble-and-disaster/

The Canadian Foodgrains Bank has compiled a variety of other prayers for The Philippines.  You can see them here: http://www.foodgrainsbank.ca/prayers_for_those_affected_by_typhoon_haiyan.aspx

A Litany of Lamentation and Hope

If you will be remembering The Philippines in your prayers this week, here’s a litany from JesuitResource.org. It was written by Joseph Shadle.

Litany of Lamentation and Hope

For those who are suffering.
For those who are injured.
For families that are separated.

For firemen, police, emergency medical workers and all public officials.
For those who answer the call to comfort and give aid.
For those who provide support thru their prayers.

For those who are dying.
For those who died while saving the lives of others.
For all who lost their lives.

For those who survived.
For the children who have been orphaned.
For the men and women who have lost their spouses.
For all who mourn and those who comfort them.

For generosity of spirit.
For hope in times of despair.
For light in the darkness.

Gracious and Loving God,
you are our comforter and our hope.
Hear your people's prayers as they come before you.
Strengthen us in this time of need.
Inspire us to acts of charity and generosity
and give us hope of a brighter future.
We ask this in Jesus' name.
Amen.

~ adapted from a prayer by Joseph P. Shadle. Posted on Xavier University’s JesuitResource.org website. http://www.xavier.edu/jesuitresource/online-resources/Thanksgiving-Prayers.cfm

The Canadian Foodgrains Bank has compiled a variety of other prayers for The Philippines.  You can see them here: http://www.foodgrainsbank.ca/prayers_for_those_affected_by_typhoon_haiyan.aspx

A Prayer for The Philippines

Here’s a prayer from Sr. Katherine Freely SND which would be suitable for the current situation in The Philippines, or other similar natural disasters.  It comes from the Education for Justice website.

Prayer for The Philippines

Compassionate Lord,

we pray for those who have been devastated by recent natural disasters. 

We remember those who have lost their lives so suddenly.

We hold in our hearts the families forever changed by grief and loss. 

Bring them consolation and comfort. 

Surround them with our prayers for strength.

Bless those who have survived and heal their memories of trauma and devastation.

May they have the courage to face the long road of rebuilding ahead.

We ask your blessing on all those who have lost their homes,

their livelihoods, their security and their hope. 

Bless the work of relief agencies and those providing emergency assistance. 

May their work be guided by the grace and strength that comes from You alone.

Help us to respond with generosity

in prayer, in assistance, in aid to the best of our abilities. 

Keep our hearts focused on the needs of those affected,

even after the crisis is over. 

We ask this in Jesus’ name, Amen.

~ written by Sr. Katherine Freely SND. Posted on Education for Justice. www.educationforjustice.org.

The Canadian Foodgrains Bank has compiled a variety of other prayers for The Philippines.  You can see them here: http://www.foodgrainsbank.ca/prayers_for_those_affected_by_typhoon_haiyan.aspx

Prayer: for Rescue, Recovery, Relief Workers

Here’s a prayer for rescue, recovery and relief workers inspired by Isaiah 58 and 61.  It comes from the Presbyterian Mission Agency website.

Prayer

(inspired by Isaiah 58: 10-12 and Isaiah 61: 3-4)

God our help and hope when waters rise,
you brought Israel safely through the sea.
Sustain all those who seek to save others,
so that they may repair the ruined cities,
raise up the former devastations,
and be the restorers of streets to live in;
through Jesus Christ, our eternal savior.

~ posted on the website of the Presbyterian Mission Agency. http://www.presbyterianmission.org/ministries/pda/prayers-times-trouble-and-disaster/

A Prayer for the Displaced, Lost and Grieving

Here’s a beautiful prayer of intercession from Becky Bonham's Bookmeal blog.

Mourning with Those who Mourn

(inspired by Jeremiah 29: 7, Romans 12: 15)

Heavenly Father,

who looks with loving compassion on all of your creation,

we lift up our prayers to you.

There are so many who have been displaced—

by flood and fire, war and famine.
May they be fed and cared for,

and may they find kindness on their journeys.
Lead them to a safe place,

to find comfort under the shelter of your wings.
May they find their home in you. 

For those who have found themselves where they did not expect to be,
Oh Lord, hear our prayer.

For those who have experienced loss –

of homes, jobs, good health, and of loved ones,
May they find your love and the light of your promises

to be enough for the next step.
Lead them to a place of hope, to find glimpses of joy in their journey.
Bind up their wounds – so tenderly –

and fill them again with your goodness and mercy.

For those who grieve and seek a path forward toward hope,
Oh Lord, hear our prayer.

For those who have wandered far from you –

who feel forsaken, forgotten, or fearful,
May they find that you are not so far off after all.
May they trust in your prodigal love,
And run into your outstretched arms with joy.

For those who are lost and in need of God’s welcome,
Oh Lord, hear our prayer. 

And lastly, we pray, for those of us who are comfortable –

safe, healthy and secure.
We heartily thank you for your many blessings.
May we be agents of your blessing to others

as we seek the peace and prosperity of this city.
Lead us to those whom you look upon with compassion –

the overworked, the underfed, the neglected and the depressed.
Fill us with your grace and mercy and love,

that we may be healers in your name

For those in need of what we have to offer,
Oh Lord, hear our prayer.

Amen.

~ written by Becky Bonham, and posted on Bookmeal: A Seasonal Feast of Spiritual Reading. http://bookmeal.blogspot.ca/2013/06/mourning-with-those-who-mourn-prayer.html

Prayer After the Storm

Here’s a prayer from Rev Karla Miller on the RevGalBlogPals' A Place for Prayer blog.

Prayer after the Storm

The storm is passing over,
and yet there is devastation in its wake...
and in the wake
the waters surge
the power is out
branches from proud strong trees
are scattered...
for all those
still in harm's way,
we pray.
for all those
assessing loss,
we pray.
for all those
who have been rendered homeless,
or more homeless because of the storm
we pray.

we pray
for recovery, for hope, for help, for healing.

in awe
we pray,
amen.

~ written by Rev. Karla Miller, and posted on A Place for Prayer. http://revgalprayerpals.blogspot.ca/

Praying for Japan

God is our refuge and our strength,

a very present help in trouble. 

Therefore we will not fear,

though the earth should change,

though the mountains shake in the heart of the sea;

though its waters roar and foam,

though the mountains tremble with its tumult. Psalm 46:1-3

Many congregations will again be offering prayer for Japan when they gather together this weekend. If you’re looking for resources, here are a few suggestions:

The Mennonite Central Committee offers this “Prayer for the People of Japan” on its website:

God of healing and mercy,

we come before you with our hearts filled with grief

as we see the devastation in Japan.

We pray that your presence would be felt

by those who are grieving,

who are injured,

who have lost their homes and livelihoods.

We pray for wisdom and safety

for those who are responding to the people in need.
We pray for wisdom and safety

for those who continue to deal with the many challenges

left by the earthquake and tsunami,

particularly those struggling to contain damaged nuclear reactors.

We pray for the church in Japan,
that it can be a light in the darkness,

a witness to your compassion and care for all who suffer.

God, you are our refuge and strength,

an ever-present help in times of trouble.

For this we give you thanks

and ask that you hear our prayers for the people of Japan.

Amen

On the same page is a responsive prayer of intercession ("Responsive Reading") which also includes many of the other difficult situations in our world at present. 

If you're looking for other resources for intercessory prayer this weekend, perhaps something here is helpful: 

You can access a number of “Prayers for Japan Earthquakes and Pacific Tsunami” on the website of the The Evangelical Lutheran Church in America.  Click on the PDF link on the right hand side of the page. 

The Text this Week has compiled a wide variety of “Worship and Prayer Resources following a natural disaster.”

“Prayer following earthquake off Japan,” is available from the Church of England.

EngageWorship.org is offering a “Prayer for those in Japan and Pacific earthquake and tsunami”

From Rob Still: “A Prayer for Japan during natural disaster."

Teresa Berger has written a “Litany for Japan” at Pray Tell blog.

Prayer for Japan earthquake and tsunami victims is available at Turn Back to God (scroll down to the entry from March 12).

United Methodist Worship is offering a “New Prayer Hymn in face of Japan/Pacific Earthquake and Tsunami” written by Safiyah Fosua.