Tuesday, March 29, 2011

Litany for Japan (Teresa Berger)

Dear People of Christ Church,

Today, I'd like to share a moment of prayer with you. Following along the Lenten carbon fast, I've been very aware of how the choices we make in using resources have real costs, particularly in the unfolding nuclear dangers. So pray for us--for wisdom and conservation--as well as those who suffer from the earthquake and tsunami, both in Japan and in other areas around the globe which were affected. The following litany comes from Teresa Berger, a professor at Yale.


A Litany, for Japan

by Teresa Berger

... that all the lives that have been lost may find their eternal rest in You

... that those grieving the loss of loved ones, especially their children, and the loss of entire families and communities, may find glimpses of hope and life

... that those injured and those fighting for their lives may find solace, hope, and healing

... that a nuclear catastrophe may be averted

... that those searching for loved ones may be sustained in their turmoil and struggle

... that those waiting for water, food, and the basic necessities of life may be able to strengthen each other and share meager resources

... that those who are especially vulnerable - the children, the elderly, the women waiting to give birth, the sick - may find others to care for them

... for all aid workers, that they may discover within themselves deep reservoirs of strength, generosity, and compassion

... for the rising up of human beings who know how to heal, to restore, to rebuild, and to birth anew life and hope

... for ourselves, that our lives may be strengthened in their witness to God's holy and ever-healing presence

Amen.

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