A Prayer for the Citizens of Myanmar and China

 

 

Almighty God, creator of heaven and earth, who had only to speak and the worlds were formed, this morning our hearts and minds are filled with the pictures and the words of the destruction and death caused by Cyclone Nargids in Myanmar and the earthquake in China the past seven days.  Be merciful, we pray, to the thousands upon thousands who suffered loss of loved ones, homes and possessions.  We pray for those who roam aimlessly in the rubble which was once their homes, cities and villages.  Strengthen the many workers who are seeking to rescues the multitudes who have been buried under collapsed homes, schools, office buildings, shops, roads, rocks and rivers.  We pray that You will incline the Myanmar government to trust and receive the aid that is so desperately needed.  May they welcome the much needed supplies that many are willing to give as well as the help to distribute them.

 

We pray for the young, committed church which has come into existence in Myanmar in the past few years through radio and the printed page.  We thank You for Words of Hope, the radio ministry of the Reformed Church In America which has helped to establish the church in this impoverished nation.  May out of this suffering and loss come a new and sincere interest in the Gospel of Jesus, the Christ.  We pray this for the church in China as well.   May her commitment to the God of the Bible and her love for the brothers and sisters in and out of Christ, be as a light in the darkness.  If these catastrophes have caused some to return to their old gods, grant that the show of love and compassion by those who have remained true, will bring them back into the faith.

 

And what we prayed for those in other lands, we pray for those in our own land who have also recently found the ravishment of nature a test and a trail.  Give to them who claim You as Lord and Savior, to have a strong and stubborn faith in the God they love,  May they too realize that behind such destruction God is at work calling all to find their refuge in Him.  May the storms of life drive each one of us to seek our peace, hope and strength in You.

 

Hear this prayer of our hearts as it is offered in the Holy name of Jesus.    Amen