This Sunday, we prayed for and in solidarity with the people of Turkey and Syria, with prayers written by Rev. Edwin González-Castillo, Director, Presbyterian Disaster Assistance. As we join together in prayer, you can also send financial support for the victims of this disaster through Presbyterian Disaster Assistance, by clicking on this link and designating gifts to DR999999.
Please feel free to join us in prayer:
Loving God, Today, we join in prayer especially for our siblings in Syria and Turkey, and all other regions affected by the earthquake. In the face of the terrible images that come to us, we ask that your Spirit, O God, once again move in the midst of chaos and destruction.
May your Spirit be with the first responders, neighbors putting their lives at risk to help those around them, and anyone assisting during this time of emergency. May you provide protection, energy and strength through your presence. Be with them as they search for loved ones, guide them during the long hours and allow them to find hope through your Spirit.
Dear God, as the days go by, provide wisdom and discernment to the local government agencies. May they be instruments of your grace as they care for the people affected. That they may receive help and support from countries near and far, and that, as they provide assistance, may there be enough for everyone.
As the stories are shared, and the recovery process begins, may your Spirit be with those who will be called to listen and to be agents of peace and hope, as the world reaches out with help.
Dear God, be with those
who weep,
who are angry,
who have lost hope,
who mourn out loud and in silence,
who don’t know what the future will bring.
May the prayers of your children rise to you.
May they feel your presence and comfort in the embrace of a stranger,
your love in the care of their neighbors and loved ones,
your grace in every word and every silence,
and may your Spirit mourn with them and bring healing.
We pray that you may guide us as we look for ways to share your compassion and hope with those who suffer. That we may be ambassadors of your peace, your mercy, and your abundant love.
Through Jesus, who weeps with those who weep and heals every heart,
we join our voices with the voices of all who have every called your name,
praying the prayer that Jesus taught:
Our Father/Mother, who art in heaven, hallowed be thy name. Thy kingdom come, thy will be done on earth as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread, and forgive us our sins, as we forgive those who sin against us. And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil. For thine is the kingdom, and the power, and the glory forever. Amen.
Adapted from a prayer by Rev. Edwin González-Castillo, Director, Presbyterian Disaster Assistance.
Photo credit – Copyrighted, UNOCHA/Ali Haj Suleiman, used with permission, as provided on the UN website.