One year ago today Japan’s largest recorded earthquake unleashed a tsunami that slammed into its eastern coast. To commemorate those events, here’s a prayer that I wrote as the resulting nuclear tragedy unfolded. Click here for two more prayers “For the People of Japan,” one for healing and one for the first responders. To listen along while you read, please click on the triangle in the bar below. The text follows.

For Japan
G-d of earth and sea,
Of ocean and shore,
Hear the voices of our
Brothers and sisters from Japan:

Our eyes know horror,
Our bodies know fear,
Our limbs know terror,
And catastrophes mount.
We are bereaved and bereft,
Injured and wounded
After earthquake and tsunami,
A tide of death and devastation.
This nation that knows atomic destruction
Now faces nuclear calamity.

Heal this land, G-d of Old.
Heal this people, G-d of Mercy.
Heal this nation, G-d of Justice.
May the suffering end and the disasters cease.

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

Postscript: This prayer first appeared here on March 14, 2011.

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Tags: earthquake, faith, healing, hope, Japan, renewal, tsunami