A year ago, Jan. 12, 2010, a catastrophic earthquake hit Haiti. In response, I wrote two prayers: one for the people of Haiti and one for the first responders. Here’s the prayer for the people of Haiti.

In Devastation (Prayer for the People of Haiti)
G-d beyond my understanding,
The earth has turned violent,
Sweeping our brothers and sisters off their feet,
Crushing homes and lives,
Upending dreams,
Toppling the foundations of hope and sustenance.
A shallow breath beneath the rubble
And wailing in the streets.
The injured, the dead, the starving.
The new widow,
The new orphan,
The newly bereft turn to You
Divine Source of abundance and grace.

G-d of justice and mercy,
We pray for the people of Haiti,
And the victims of any disaster,
Any violence, suffering or despair.
Grant them shelter and solace,
Comfort and consolation,
Blessing and renewal.
May a world of justice, righteousness and mercy
Come swiftly to their aid.
Grant them endurance to survive,
Strength to rebuild,
Faith to mourn,
Courage to heal,
And devotion to each other.

Heavenly Guide,
Hand of love and shelter,
Grant the people of Haiti Your protection,
Your radiance,
And Your peace.

© 2011 Alden Solovy and tobendlight.com. All rights reserved.

Postscript: Here’s a link to the prayer for first responders. Haitian officials estimated that 230,000 people died in the disaster, 300,000 were injured and 1,000,000 made homeless. They also estimated that 250,000 residences and 30,000 commercial buildings had collapsed or were severely damaged. (Source: Wikipedia.)

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Photo Source: WikiMedia Commons

Tags: earthquake, faith, Haiti, healing, hope, renewal