A prayer after the earthquake in Haiti
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 they fill the dusty 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,
as the poorest on this side of the earth find only misery upon misery.
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.
© 2010, Diana Macalintal, Diocese of San Jose.
In Time of Earthquake
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, for ever and ever. Amen.
© International Committee on English in the Liturgy, Inc.
The Lectionary of the Catholic Church recommends the following scripture passages in times of earthquake:
Esther C:1-4, 8-10
Lamentations 3:17-26
Daniel 3:25, 34-43
Romans 8:18-30
Romans 8:31b-39
James 1:2-4, 12
Revelation 21:1-5a, 6b-7
Psalm 80
Psalm 85
Psalm 123
Matthew 7:7-11
Mark 4:35-41
Luke 18:1-8
Prayer for Haiti
God of all creation, as we weep with our family in Haiti, console us.
In this time of crisis, open our eyes to look beyond the disaster to see Christ in our brothers and sisters in Haiti, as Christ sees us.
Be with all creation; strengthen us in solidarity with those living and working in Haiti. All creation returns to you in mourning and your grace guides our efforts to feed the hungry, shelter the homeless, comfort the grieving and stand for justice.
With your mercy, sustain us at this time as we continue to work for peace and justice.
Amen.
A Litany for the People of Haiti
By Pete Mahoney, CFX
The response is: THANKS BE TO GOD!
To recognize the Spirit that dwells in Haiti, let us respond...Thanks be to God!
For hope in the midst of despair, let us respond...
For the hospitality of our Haitians hosts, let us respond...
For Celebrations that give hope, let us respond...
For the Dream of an Independent and Respected country, let us respond...
For the help and concern of its Northern neighbor, let us respond...
For the realization that we need Haiti, let us respond...
For our eyes to be open to a mutual relationship, let us respond...
For our ears to be open to the Cry of Justice, let us respond...
For our mouths to speak the true story of Haiti, let us respond…
A Prayer for the People of Haiti
Out of the depths we cry to You, O God. We cry to You for our Haitian sisters and brothers. We thank You for upholding them in their suffering. Give them continuing strength and comfort. Give us love and courage to stand with them and work with them as they struggle for justice and freedom.
Keep us committed to the truth and empower us with Your Spirit of love:
A love that always sees possibilities for peace founded on justice;
A love that seeks justice without vengeance and retaliation;
A love that reaches out to enemies, as Jesus taught us.
We trust in Your continuing mercy as we bring to You our own desire to be in active solidarity with our Haitian brothers and sisters.
O Holy Spirit descend on us: we have a mission for Haiti.
Amen.
Available as a prayer Card from Pax Christi USA: (814) 453-4955 www.paxchristiusa.org
