Prayer for those affected by Hurricane Melissa
God Almighty,
who lifts up all who are bowed down,
who redeems our lives from the pit,
who loves his people with an everlasting love,
we continue to hold our Jamaican, Haitian and Cuban family before you.
We pray for survivors,
that they may be found and rescued.
We pray for those suffering deep fear and anxiety,
that you may send your Holy Spirit to comfort them.
We pray for those who have lost their homes and livelihoods,
that you may fill them with peace and hope and renewed strength.
We pray for those unable to contact loved ones,
that you will enable them to do so.
We pray for the Methodist Church in the Caribbean and Americas, and the Methodist Church in Cuba,
that you will grant them wisdom in using resources to help their communities;
that you will grant them strength to offer generous compassion and spiritual accompaniment to all;
that you will grant them endurance to continue supporting communities through recovery and reconstruction in the coming months and years.
Most of all we ask, loving God, that you hold the people of Jamaica, Haiti and Cuba in the palm of your hand, watching over them, strengthening them and knowing that you say:
“do not fear, for I am with you;
do not be afraid, for I am your God;
I will strengthen you; I will help you;
I will uphold you with my victorious right hand”.
(Isaiah 41:10, NRSVUE)
In the name of Christ Jesus, we pray. Amen
The President and Vice-President of the Conference