My siblings in Christ,
The profound loss, suffering, and deaths in Turkey and Syria are heartbreaking. At this writing, estimates are that 19,000 people have died.
I offer this prayer below, and ask that you include all those impacted by this natural disaster and that our churches in the diocese include this in the Prayers of the People this coming Sunday.
Anyone that can help financially, in any amount, should do so through Episcopal Relief and Development (ERD). Your gift to ERD helps support local partners with life-saving supplies and resources, medicine and emergency support.
God, you are in the midst of those who suffer
May all affected by disasters feel your healing presence.
God, you are in the hands of those who reach out
Help responders in their courageous work.
God, you are in the hearts of those compassionate ones
Whose prayers cry out for their families
Whose prayers cry out for their neighbors
Whose prayers cry out even for strangers
Bless and comfort those who mourn.
God, you are in the still small voice,
The gentle whisper that follows
May our ears always hear
May our hearts always cry out for one another
May our hands always reach out to one another
And may we always walk like you walk
In solidarity with those who suffer
And so reflect your presence and comfort.
– Prayer adapted from Catholic Relief Services from Episcopal Relief and Development
We follow a loving and gracious God who is always with us.
Prayerfully,
