Lord God, friend of those in need,
your Son Jesus has untied our burdens
and healed our spirits.
We lift up the prayers of our hearts for those still burdened,
those seeking healing,
those in need within the church and the world.

God, where most people only see chaos and destruction
We see the helpers.
Where most people only see wrath and anger,
We see unending love and patience.
Where most people only see torture on a cross,
We see a story of kindness lived out.
Where most people only see humanity destroying itself
We see the Kingdom near.

You hear us calling
You hear us calling
Abba Father

O God, we acknowledge that those beset by disaster
have endured great trauma:
The losses and mess,
The danger and fright,
The distress to body and soul.
These are deep wounds, real wounds
That take time to recover from.

You weep, oh God, with those who weep.
You mourn with those who mourn.

Heal your people, oh God.
Rescue them from their distress,
Enfold them in your kindness,
And surround them in your care.

You hear us calling
You hear us calling
Abba Father

O God, make of us a strong and resilient people:
A people prone to compassion,
A people prone to good works,
A people prone to patience,
A people prone to listening,
A people healed and whole.

Let the work of rebuilding --
Lives, homes, livelihoods, communities --
Be the work of new life and imagination;
The work of Heaven-on-Earth

Hear our prayers
that we may love you with our whole being
and willingly share the concerns of our neighbors. Amen.

Lord have mercy
Christ have mercy
Lord have mercy
Christ have mercy

Image: Joseph and his brothers by Jacob Chayat Acrylic on Canvas