Prayer after Disaster

When I awoke Friday to the news of the earthquake and tsunami in Japan … and its widening scope along the Pacific shore lines … I was astonished by the destruction and felt the need to pray. My prayers were plebian. I give thanks to the Revs. Jennifer Phillips and Ernest W. Cockrell for crafting this one, which I copy here with permission.

Merciful God, in your hands are the caverns of the earth, the heights of the hills, the depth of the seas, and our troubled times. Hear our prayers for those suffering in the aftermath of earthquakes and explosions, tsunami and floods in Japan and the destruction along our western coasts. Soothe those in distress; watch over those trapped and hoping for rescue; calm the anxious; comfort the bereaved; strengthen those who labor to help others; lift up those who cannot help themselves; inspire those who offer assistance from afar; and in every danger be their present help by the power of your Holy Spirit who knows no bounds.
We pray in Jesus' name. Amen.