After a disaster or tragedy
For leaders, cities, and a world that needs mercy.
Also for natural disaster · earthquake · flood · typhoon · fire · tragedy · accident · storm · lost everything · mass tragedy · relief efforts
God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble. Therefore we won’t be afraid, though the earth changes, though the mountains are shaken into the heart of the seas; though its waters roar and are troubled, though the mountains tremble with their swelling.
Be merciful to me, God, be merciful to me, for my soul takes refuge in you. Yes, in the shadow of your wings, I will take refuge, until disaster has passed.
For you have been a stronghold to the poor, a stronghold to the needy in his distress, a refuge from the storm, a shade from the heat, when the blast of the dreaded ones is like a storm against the wall.
When you pass through the waters, I will be with you, and through the rivers, they will not overflow you. When you walk through the fire, you will not be burned, and flame will not scorch you.
Yahweh is good, a stronghold in the day of trouble; and he knows those who take refuge in him.
Yahweh is near to those who have a broken heart, and saves those who have a crushed spirit.
A prayer
Original writing, not a quotation of Scripture.
God, the pictures are hard to look at: houses flattened, streets flooded, people searching the rubble for someone they love. Be a shelter from the storm for those who have lost everything. Keep the rescuers safe and give them strength.
Comfort the families waiting for news. Show me what I can give, whether money, time, or prayer, and don't let me scroll past their suffering. In Jesus' name, Amen.