Holy One, centre of our being and hope of the world, we turn to you in times of trouble, in times of joy, and in all the times in between. Today, let us lay down our burdens before you, for a world in turmoil and grief.
We pray for Jamaica after the devastation of Hurricane Melissa, and for all countries and communities in the path of this hurricane, as well for others touched by unpredictable storms. We pray that people remain safe and that those who have lost loved ones be comforted by your healing presence.
We pray for Vietnam where floods have killed at least 10 people and inundated over 100,000 homes. We ask that people and animals be kept safe from the resulting landslides that have ruined crops, and that the flooding not cause further destruction through disease and starvation.
We pray for Turkey and the 5 people killed in the building collapse in Gebze. We pray also that no one was lost in the 6.1 magnitude earthquake that rocked the country on October 27, causing at least 4 buildings to fall. May the country be spared more damage from earthquakes and be able to rebuild in tranquility.
We pray for Sudan and a de-escalation of violence after the massacre at the El Fasher hospital which left 460 dead. Bring a ceasefire and compassion to the people of this war-weary region.
We pray for the uncontacted Indigenous populations in Brazil and Peru, who face extinction within 10 years due to logging, mining, and agribusiness on their lands. Give us the tools and the resolve to live together in harmony, affording people the opportunity to live their traditional ways in peace.
Despite the bad news, Holy One, we see sparks of hope from your creation, like the ones recognized by the Iris Prize this year.
We thank you for young people who not only care about our planet but who help restore creation. We thank you for youth in Mongolia, who are working to combat air pollution in their country. We thank you for young people in Mexico, who are striving to bring knowledge of the Santa Catarina river to the city of Monterrey. And we thank you for youth in the Philippines, who are campaigning to save the dugongs, an endangered marine species in Sarangi Bay. We pray that you bless these endeavours and all others that lead to the flourishing of humans and creation.
Holy One, we trust that you answer our prayers in your own way and in your own time. Grant us patience, wisdom, and courage as we wait for your response. Amen.
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