Prayer for Haiti

When confronted by such evil as the recent earthquake in Haiti, it seems fitting that we, as the people of God, remember our place and calling.

We are not called to justify the ways of God to men. We are called to proclaim the justification of men before the righteous God through the redemptive work of our Lord Jesus Christ.

We are not called to understand or explain the presence of evil. We are called to affirm what we do understand and know to be true: The Lord is good; his mercy is everlasting; and his faithfulness endures from age to age.

We are not called to solve the problems of the world -- though God has given us a role to play in that. We are called to show forth, not only with our lips but in our lives, that God is even now putting the world to rights until his kingdom comes on earth as it is in heaven.

We are not called to doubt, but to faith. We are not called to despair, but to hope. We are not called to blame, but to love. And we are called to pray.

A Litany for Haiti

Lord God, almighty and everlasting Father:
save and have mercy on your children in Haiti.
For the Lord is good, his mercy is everlasting;
and his faithfulness endures from age to age.

O God, from whom comes every good and perfect gift:
give food, water, and shelter to the hungry, thirsty and homeless in Haiti.
For the Lord is good, his mercy is everlasting;
and his faithfulness endures from age to age.

Merciful God, great physician of our souls and bodies:
give rest to the weary, bless the dying, soothe the suffering,
and pity the afflicted in Haiti.
For the Lord is good, his mercy is everlasting;
and his faithfulness endures from age to age.

Compassionate God, lover of mankind:
lead your people, by the power of your Holy Spirit,
to pray, work, and give for love of you and love of your children in Haiti.
For the Lord is good, his mercy is everlasting;
and his faithfulness endures from age to age.

Almighty God, our rock and fortress, our shield and deliverer:
strengthen and protect those who strive to rescue, recover, rebuild,
and restore in Haiti.
For the Lord is good, his mercy is everlasting;
and his faithfulness endures from age to age.

Victorious God, Power above all powers, King of kings and Lord of lords:
bring to an end the corruption of all earthly powers,
their neglect and abuse of the innocents,
and the dark power of the evil one in Haiti.
For the Lord is good, his mercy is everlasting;
and his faithfulness endures from age to age.

Lord, answer us in the day of trouble and send help from your holy place, that we may shout for joy at your victory, and triumph in the name of our God; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever. Amen.