Prayer for people and animals during Cyclone Alfred
It was new year 2024 when we composed a prayer for use in times of Natural Disaster together at worship.
I commend this prayer to you all, as cyclone Alfred makes its way toward Southeast QLD, our home base:
In times of Natural Disaster
All things look to you, O Lord, to give them their food in due season: look in mercy on your people, and hear our prayer for those whose lives and possessions have been affected by natural disaster.
We ask that all our first responders, volunteers and emergency service workers be given strength and care, rest and recuperation.
We uphold the vulnerable ones, children and animals, people living rough and in financial distress; that they be given courage and the appropriate support.
Please empower community groups and organisations as they step up. Encourage neighbours as they look out for one another. Inspire communities to support and resource animal organisations as they offer sanctuary and care for displaced animals—domestic, farm and wild.
Give courage to all who work in ongoing trauma recovery; support workers, doctors, nurses, social workers, psychologists, veterinarians, counselling services, chaplains, clergy and local ministers. May they be enabled to sustain good self-care practices, access resources, find strength and resilience, peace and rest.
May all who suffer survivor guilt, be compassionate towards themselves and find grace in you. Holy Spirit please gently lead their energy into prayer, loving service and gratitude, so they can experience and share peace.
We entrust the rebuilding efforts into your care Lord. May the resources needed become available, the trades people offering their skills be honest and diligent.
We hold before you Lord, local council and governments especially politicians and leaders as they represent people and places. Give them inspiration, wisdom and discernment.
In your mercy restore your creation and heal our lands, air and waterways, regenerate all that has been destroyed and inspire people to help with that new growth and restoration.
So guide and bless your people, that we may enjoy the fruits of the earth and give you thanks with grateful hearts, through our Lord Jesus Christ. Amen.
Adapted from: A Prayer Book for Australia Prayers for Various Occasions—Prayer #12 p.205. At HHO Weekly Worship fellowship 7th January 2024.
The artwork featured on this post was created on Padlet by one of our members as part of our Digital Faith Artists Ministry and is titled "cyclone eye".