Friday, 11th March 2011, 20:32 hrs
Our loving heavenly father,
We acknowledge that thou art the Creator, and we thy creatures. Before thy very presence we stand condemned and unjustified, if not for thy unconditional love, long-suffering, and mercy towards us in and through thy son Jesus the Christ. Since the fall of humanity we humans have had to bear the consequences of our sin. This evening the earth that has been suffering together with us wrecked havoc once more, this time in Japan, generating a huge tsunami and causing damages and the loss of many lives...
We have heard the news, watched the video clips, and are utterly speechless...
Lord, in thy mercy, watch over Japan.
We bring before thy very throne of mercy the people of Japan. Hearken to the cries of many who have lost loved ones, or whose loved ones are unaccounted for...incline thy loving ears to their call for help, O Lord, and grant them thy divine grace at this hour of pain and sorrow...Lord, in thy mercy, watch over Japan.
Many are injured. Many are devastated. Thousands are traumatised. Countless are cast into despair and confusion. Still more suffer from fear and loss of belongs, property, homes, schools, infra-structure... Many now have to bear the cold in addition to the devastation brought on by the quake and the ensuing tsunami.
We who are far off feel a sense of helplessness. In our common humanity we share the solidarity with our fellows in Japan and cry with them. Lord, in thy mercy, watch over Japan.
Death toll will rise. Disease will spread. Anger will also increase. But needs will be many. Relief efforts will be difficult and many helping hands will be needed. Raise up helpers and direct international relief aid to pour into Japan, that we everywhere may at this time reach out to the people of Japan. Lord, in thy mercy, watch over Japan.
As usual, there will often be after-shocks. It has been reported that Japan fears another quake. O dear Lord of all creation, you who calmed the roaring seas and overcame death, calm the earth and spare many lives. Enable those who monitor to detect quickly any further quakes, if thy created nature should have to rock, and grant that evacuation might proceed with success. Lord, in thy mercy, watch over Japan.
Words cannot fully express the pain and agony of our hearts. Nevertheless, thou knowest all things, for thou hast created all things. The sorrowing hearts are crying everywhere...broken, cruelly torn apart from loved ones, from their dreams, from a life of quiet and comfort...only thou knowest and understandest.
At this very moment, visit thy children, frail as we are, and descend upon Japan and surround the people there with thine own dear presence. Comfort, O comfort thy people; save, O save thy children from the wiles of the world; strengthen, touch, embrace them...in this moment of their horrible pain.
Lord, in thy mercy, watch over Japan.
Amen.
