Prayer for the Survivors
of Hurricane Katrina

Matthew 6, Matthew 25:34-40, James 2

Almighty Father God, there is none like You.  You are great and Your name is great in might.  Who would not fear You, O King of the nations, for this is Your rightful due.  Among all the wise men of the nations, and in all their kingdoms, there is none like You.  You are the true and living God and the everlasting King.  The earth trembles at Your wrath and the nations are not able to endure Your indignation.  Lord, we thank You for Your compassion and tender mercies that are new every morning.  Thank You for sending relief for the people of Louisiana, Mississippi and Alabama.  Lord, even though there are tragedies, yet You are still good and Your mercy endures forever.

 

Father, we pray for the victims of Hurricane Katrina.  It is Your will for us to pray for those who are suffering.  Our nation has been devastated, families have been separated and some even destroyed.  Lord, there is so much despair and heartache.  We are unable to comprehend this horrific disaster, but we pray because You want us to weep with those who weep.  Father, have mercy upon the people and affected cities of Louisiana, Mississippi and Alabama.  Lord, it is Your desire that all of humankind call on Your name and worship You.  You do not want any person to live without You.  Like a mother hen, You desire to protect and care for Your creation, therefore, we expect relief for the persons who are in need.  Lord, we believe that You will regard and not despise the prayers of the destitute.

 

Father, please extend Your mercy and grace to them during this calamitous time.  Continue to touch the heart of our nation and world to give.  Show each of us our role in giving to this effort.  Comfort the hearts of men, women, boys, and girls, who have lost loved ones, especially the children.  Father, cause Your peace to settle into the hearts of parents who lost their children to the hurricane.  Stem the spread of disease and protect the innocent from looters and criminal activity.  Comfort persons who are in shelters and protect them.  Please provide food, clothing, shelter and employment for them.  Let Your everlasting love be felt overwhelmingly towards them.  Lord, help the body of Christ to demonstrate Jesus’ love through acts of giving and compassion.  We ask You to send Your laborers to share Your Gospel and to gather Your harvest. 

 

Father, forgive those persons who do not acknowledge You as the only true and living God.  Forgive them for worshipping things made of wood and metal that have no life in them.  Forgive them for all acts of sinfulness and idolatry.  Lord, help people to forgive.  Lord, please have mercy!

 

Lord, lead them not to temptation, but deliver them from the evil one.

 

Lord, You are the King of glory.  You are the Lord of hosts.  The earth is Yours and all its fullness, the world and those who dwell within.  You are worthy to receive glory, and honor and power; for You created all things.  By Your will they exist and were created.  In Jesus’ name, amen.

 

Scripture References for the written text:  Jeremiah 10:6-7, Lamentations 3:22-23, Psalm 136:1, Romans 12:15,

II Peter 3:9, Luke 13:34, Matthew 9:38, Psalm 102:17, Matthew 6:13, Psalm 24:1, 3, Revelation 4:11