A Prayer for the people of Japan

Prayer

God is our refuge and our strength. An ever present help in times of trouble. Psalm 46:1
 
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 may be 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

Responsive Reading

Leader: 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,

People: Hear our prayers.

Leader: 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,

People: Hear our prayers.

Leader: 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,

People: Hear our prayers.

Leader: 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,

People: Hear our prayers.

Leader: In all these things, we come asking that you guide us by your Spirit. Lord in your mercy

People: Hear our prayers.

All: in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, Amen.

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More Resources

More worship and educational resources related to Japan are available through Mennonite World Conference. They include a prayer, a map and song suggestions.

Mennonite World Conference