"Protect me, O God, for in you I take refuge." (Psalm 16:1)

God of the mountains and the seas, the awesome power of nature can be both a wonder as well as a source of tragedy. We cry out to you in this time of great need to the people affected by the earthquake and tsunamis in South Asia.

Almighty and everlasting God, comfort of the sad and strength to those who suffer: Let the prayers of your children who are in any trouble rise to you. We lift up to you the peoples of Indonesia, Malaysia, Thailand, Myanmar, Bangladesh, India, Sri Lanka, Maldives, Seychelles, Somalia, Kenya, and Tanzania. For those who have lost loved ones, grant your peace; for those who seek shelter and food, grant your comfort; for those facing illness, grant your healing; for those whose lives have been shattered, grant your strength.

God of wisdom and strength, guide the hands of those who provide emergency relief. We entrust to you those who care for the bereaved, those with the gift of healing, those who carry the burdens of moving debris, and those who distribute much needed supplies. Hopeless as it may seem at times, their work is very important. Give them the endurance that is needed to continue in their good works.

God of all consolation, in the midst of things we do not understand, tragedy too great to comprehend, and grieving too heavy to bear, grant your peace. This is a time when we welcome your Word of hope born into our world. May that hope burn in our hearts.
 

Gracious God, we pray for the people affected by the South Asia Tsunamis. Be a source of strength and courage during this time of distress and destruction, and a refuge and comfort to all those who suffer and grieve at this time.

Remain with us, God, in the name of your Son, Jesus Christ, our Lord.

Sustaining God, we pray for the peoples of Indonesia , Malaysia , Thailand , Myanmar , Bangladesh , India , Sri Lanka , Maldives , Seychelles , Somalia , Kenya , and Tanzania , and for relief workers as they assess damage, assist victims, and begin on the journey of recovery.

Remain with us, God, in the name of your Son, Jesus Christ, our Lord.

God of hope, we lift up the ELCA International Disaster Response team and our partners, Action by Churches Together, Lutheran World Federation and Lutheran World Relief, already on site and prepared to care in the aftermath of this disaster long after it is out of the news.

Remain with us, God, in the name of your Son, Jesus Christ, our Lord.

Giver of all good things, we thank you for the members of your family, the Church, who, though they may not be able to be present physically to assist in response to the great needs created by the tsunamis, give generously in spirit through prayer and financial gifts to make our disaster relief efforts possible.

Remain with us, God, in the name of your Son, Jesus Christ, our Lord.  Amen.
 

Kyrie/Litany
(adapted from the Global Mission Service of Healing)

Leader: With heavy hearts and sorrowed spirits, we come to you, O Lord.

People: Lord, have mercy.

Leader: Lift the burdens of our souls.

People: Lord, have mercy.

Leader: Heal the sorrows that we know.

People: Lord, have mercy.

Leader: Mend the hearts broken by tragedy.

People: Lord, have mercy.

Leader: End the suffering of the wounded.

People: Lord, have mercy.

Leader:  Help the grieving back to wholeness.

People: Lord, have mercy.

Leader: Bring creation out of chaos, that all may join the angel chorus.

People: Lord, have mercy.

Prayer for tsunami victims:

Leader:  O God of mercy, look with pity upon all those who have been left homeless, bereft, in shock, in the wake of the South Asian tsunamis.  Lord, in your mercy,

People:  Hear our prayer.

Leader:  Holy God, who fed your people in the wilderness,  whose lovingkindness is everlasting, lift the burdens of all who are weary from the search for food and refresh those who are parched from thirst.  Lord, in your mercy,

People:  Hear our prayer.

Leader:  O Source of all consolation, comfort with the sure sense of your presence all who feel forsaken, whose hope is dried up. Lord, in your mercy,

People:  Hear our prayer.

Leader:  Heavenly Father, who sent your son to bring sight to the blind, hearing and healing to all who asked, open our ears to all cries of affliction, and through us provide healing and help. Lord, in your mercy,

People:  Hear our prayer.

Leader:  Merciful God, you ask us to cleanse our hearts, to loose the bonds of oppression, and to repair the ruins.  Pour out upon us the Spirit of your love, that we might pour ourselves out for the victims of disaster so that they, too, will know your generous healing power.  In the name of your Son, Jesus Christ,  we pray.

People:  Amen.
 

Bible Verses:

Be merciful to me, O God, be merciful to me,
for in you my soul takes refuge;
in the shadow of your wings I will take refuge,
until the destroying storms pass by.   (Psalm 57:1)