St. Therese of Lisieux said of prayer: “for me, prayer is a surge of the heart; it is a simple look turned toward heaven, it is a cry of recognition and of love, embracing both trial and joy.” CCC 2558. The Faithful are called to pray ceaselessly. During this challenging time, we offer this resource to keep your heart turned toward the Lord and to pray for needs of our sisters and brothers.
Prayer in times of Earthquakes
From: Mass and Prayers for Various Needs and Occasions, Roman Missal (Third Edition)
O God, who set the earth on its firm foundation,
spare those who are fearful and show favour to those who implore you,
so that, with all dangers of earthquake entirely gone, we may continue to experience your mercy and serve you in thankfulness,
safe under your protection.
Through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son, who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever.
A Prayer after an Earthquake
Creator God, at times such as this,
when we realised that the ground beneath our feet is not as solid as we had imagined, we plead for your mercy.
As the things we have built crumble,
we know too well how small we truly are on this ever-changing, ever-moving,
fragile planet we call home.
Yet you have promised never to forget us.
Do not forget us now.
Today, so many people are afraid.
They wait in fear of the next tremor.
They hear the cries of the injured amid the rubble.|
They roam the streets in shock at what they see.
And they fill the dusty air with wails of grief and the names of missing dead.
Comfort them, O God, in this disaster.
Be their rock when the earth refuses to stand still,
and shelter them under your wings when homes and offices no longer exist.
Embrace in your arms those who died so suddenly.
Console the hearts of those who mourn,
and ease the pain of bodies on the brink of death.
Pierce, too, our hearts with compassion, we who watch from afar,
as our friends and relatives experience misery upon misery.
Move us to act swiftly this day,
to give generously every day, to work for justice always,
and to pray unceasingly for those without hope.
And once the shaking has ceased,
the images of destruction have stopped filing the news,
and our thoughts return to life’s daily rumblings,
let us not forget that we are all your children
and they, our sisters and brothers.
We are all the work of your hands.
For though the mountains leave their place and the hills be tossed to the ground,
your love shall never leave us and your promise of peace will never be shaken.
Lord, show us your mercy and love,
And grant us your salvation.
Our help is in the name of the Lord,
Who made heaven and earth,
Blessed be the name of the Lord,
Now and forever. Amen.
Copyright 2010, Diana Macalintal. Permission is given to reprint for non-commercial use
General Intercession suggestions for Mass
- For the Church, especially our shepherd Bishop Barry and all the priests, strengthen them in this time of trial to continue celebrating the sacraments with joy, uniting us as one body, one spirit in Christ, Lord, hear us.
- For all affected by the recent earthquakes here in Christchurch, and most especially for those who have lost homes and businesses; ease their burdens and fill them with hope and peace. Lord hear us.
- For all those who are laboring to provide relief and to all affected by the earthquake; when tired, renew them by the power of the Holy Spirit, Lord hear us