Praying for our Siblings in Turkey and Syria (2/9/23)

Rejoice with those who rejoice, weep with those who weep.

Romans 12:15

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,

The Rt. Reverend Daniel G. P. Gutiérrez

XVI Bishop of The Episcopal Diocese of Pennsylvania