God, you are our refuge and strength. You are a very present help in trouble. Knowing this, we need not fear even as we look out and see the earth change, the mountains tremble, and the seas roar. You do not treat us like you do not know us, rather you draw near to us. Thank you for being a shelter to us from life’s storm.

Lord, be a shelter and refuge to the people and nations who have been affected by the earthquake in Myanmar. Comfort and strengthen those dealing with death, injury, and survival. Multiply the resources that are being sent for rescue and relief efforts. Help us to do unto you by helping and praying for your beloved children of Southeast Asia.

We pray over our divided nation. Before we rattle off requests to you, help us to acknowledge that we have tried to do your job in trying to group people like you would separate sheep and goat. That is your job and we do not presume to know how to do it. Rather, as we pray, help us to keep our focus on what matters to you. Help us to pray and act in feeding the hungry, welcoming the stranger, clothing the naked, and visiting the imprisoned. Help us be united in our efforts to help others. Especially among those elected to serve, help them to act with wisdom, discernment and compassion.

In this worshipping community that extends far beyond this Sanctuary, there are those who need the balm of your touch. Illness of body or mind, anxiety, grief, economic insecurity, care giving. Grant such a loving touch and reassurance as a loving parent. But help us to remember you are not like us. You are not limited to only being able to help one child at a time. As you mourn, grieve, and comfort with those who need it, you laugh and dance with those who are celebrating.

Along all the hurts and need, you rejoice with us. You laugh and squeal with delight with new life in the form of infants birthed or spiritual babies coming to faith. You bless commitments being made in the form of marriage or new jobs. Your heart is glad at recovery and repentance. You are the God of life – all life – in the good and bad. You are steadfast. So we lean more on you by praying the prayer our Lord Jesus taught his disciples, saying…