Below is a litany for use at times of natural disaster. In the midst of our practical work to relieve such immense suffering, it is essential for us to pray to God for the victims, the suffering, those who are aiding directly in relief, and for the grace and courage to remain faithful to the task at hand for the long term.
A Litany in Response to a Natural Disaster
O God the
Father, Creator of heaven and earth,
Have
mercy upon us.
O God the Son,
redeemer of the world,
Have
mercy upon us.
O God the Holy
Spirit, Sanctifier of the faithful,
Have
mercy upon us.
Holy, blessed
and glorious Trinity, One God
Have
mercy upon us.
Remember not,
Lord Christ our offenses, neither reward us according to our sins. Spare
us, good Lord, spare your people, whom you have redeemed by your cross and
passion, and by your mercy preserve us forever.
Spare
us, good Lord.
From all
natural disasters, from hurricanes, fires, tornados, earthquakes, tsunamis,
blizzards and floods,
Good
Lord, deliver us.
From all
disease and sickness, from famine and violence,
Good
Lord, deliver us.
In all times of
sorrow, in all times of joy; in the hour of death and at the day of judgment,
Good
Lord, deliver us.
Hear our
prayers, O Christ our God,
O
Christ, hear us.
For the +
repose of the souls of our brothers and sisters in Christ who have died in this
disaster, that your holy angels may welcome them into Paradise,
O
Christ, hear us.
Console all who
grieve: those whose loved ones have died, whose families are torn; whose homes
have been destroyed, whose possessions have been ruined, who are now
unemployed.
O Christ,
hear us.
Heal those who
suffer from injury and illness, emotional and spiritual distress. Give
them hope and encouragement to meet the days ahead.
O
Christ, hear us.
Give food to
the hungry and drink to the thirsty.
O
Christ, hear us.
Give rest to
weary and peace to the restless.
O
Christ, hear us.
Give strength
to the governments of affected regions and all others in authority and
leadership; grant them wisdom and power to act in accordance with your will.
O
Christ, hear us.
Bless the
clergy and people in areas of danger and destruction who strive to do your
service in the midst of their own grief and pain. Give them fortitude to
serve as you would serve.
O
Christ, hear us.
Grant your
people grace to witness to your word, to open their hearts in love, and to give
generously from their abundance, that they may bring forth the fruits of your
Spirit.
O
Christ, hear us.
Forgive us
Lord, for all negligence and hardheartedness, for an over-reliance on
technology and a lack of preparedness that result in bitterness and strife, in
injury and death.
O
Christ, hear us.
In the midst of
loss, grant us eyes that see, ears that hear and hands that work so that we may
discern how you would have us respond.
O
Christ, hear us.
We give you
thanks, Lord God for all agencies and individuals who assist in
relief efforts; continue in them the good work you have begun, through
them your presence is made known.
We
thank you O, Lord
You are our
refuge and strength
Our
very present help in trouble
In you Lord is
our Hope
And we
shall never hope in vain
Glory to God
whose power, working in us, can do infinitely more than we can ask
or imagine.
Glory
to him from generation to generation in the Church, and in Christ Jesus for
ever.
O merciful
Father, you have taught us in your holy Word that you do not willingly afflict
or grieve the children of men: Look with pity upon the sorrows of your people
[especially _______, for whom our prayers are offered]. Remember them, O Lord,
in mercy, nourish their souls with patience, comfort them with a sense of your
goodness, lift up your countenance upon them, and give them peace; through
Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
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