Join me in prayer for the world

Dear Friends in Christ,

The world feels overwhelming right now. The heartbreaking scenes of the withdrawal from Afghanistan and the refugees left behind; the devastation of another natural disaster in the suffering nation of Haiti; and the continuing COVID crisis at home and abroad leave us grief-stricken and wondering how we can help. Our help begins with prayer for those who suffer and continues with opportunities for action (please see below).

I ask your prayers for people in Afghanistan who are desperate to escape the real and immediate danger to their lives, including those who helped the government and the American military, and women and girls whose lives and safety are at risk. Pray for safety and swift, merciful evacuation of all refugees who want to leave.

Lord, have mercy. Christ, have mercy.

I ask your prayers for the people of Haiti, suffering from the destruction of another earthquake and another tropical storm, leaving thousands homeless and many without food and water. Pray for the restoration of the necessities of daily life and for safety and comfort for all who are afflicted.

Lord, have mercy. Christ, have mercy.

I ask your prayers for those who continue to suffer from the COVID crisis, for those who are ill, and for those who care for them. Pray for the safety of school children and teachers starting a new school year, and pray for expanded vaccinations and an end to this pandemic.

Lord, have mercy. Christ, have mercy.

I ask your prayers for veterans of the military who have served in Afghanistan, whose hearts are torn by the situation there. Pray for comfort, strength, and blessing to those who have served.

Lord, have mercy. Christ, have mercy.

I ask your prayers for our church, that we may provide light in the darkness of a suffering world, and that we may continue to proclaim the good news of Christ to a world overwhelmed by bad news. Christ, be with us and help us be your hands and feet in this world.

Lord, have mercy. Christ, have mercy.

O God, our refuge and strength, our help in times of trouble.
Have mercy on the people of Afghanistan.
Have mercy on those that served
Who want to build a world of peace and justice.
May their sacrifices and pain be forever honored
As courageous and faithful work.
O God, give comfort to the people of Haiti,
Protect those who have lost everything,
give those who rebuild hope,
strengthen the entire community
so they may face the future without fear.
O God, have mercy on all those who suffer from Covid,
and give strength to those who care for them.
Help our church to be a beacon of your love
and an agent of the healing that you bring.
Have mercy on us, Lord, and show us your way of love.
Amen.


How Can You Help?

Episcopal Migration Ministries (EMM) reports, “The deteriorating situation in Afghanistan is a humanitarian crisis that has left upwards of 550,000 Afghans internally displaced in the country since the beginning of the year.” Recent events have dramatically increased the need for refugee resettlement; requiring a swift response from the United States and the rest of the global community to protect them. Thankfully, due to this crisis, the United States Congress has expanded the number of refugees that are able to enter the US from Afghanistan, but thousands are still left without a safe place to flee. I pray for their safety and that all countries will one day accept the scared and displaced people of the world into their communities. Join me in supporting the work of EMM by donating to their lifegiving ministry and by continuing to pray for all those torn by war. You can also write to government officials and demand speedy action on granting visas to Afghan refugees.

The Episcopal News Service reports that “Episcopalians are preparing to help in Haiti as best they can. ‘We are deeply saddened by the reports coming from our friends and partners in Haiti,’ said Abigail Nelson, executive vice president of Episcopal Relief & Development. ‘We pray for their safety as Tropical Storm Grace approaches the country. We are currently mobilizing to work with an array of development partners to meet the immediate and long-term needs of affected communities.’” Donations to Episcopal Relief & Development’s Haiti Fund support the organization’s continued emergency response efforts in Haiti. Join me in supporting the work of ERD and praying for those who are suffering in Haiti.

Veterans who have served in Afghanistan, or who are reminded of their service elsewhere by the current situation there, might be suffering particular sadness at this time. Resources for veterans dealing with grief and anger over the situation in Afghanistan are available here through the VA website.

In all the emergencies that confront us, our faith assures us that Jesus Christ is present with those who suffer. His suffering in his life on earth demonstrates his compassion for our world and the people who are in danger, fear, and pain. May God be with all who suffer in this perilous and conflicted time, and may Christ bring peace and comfort in this stricken world.

In Christ,

Bishop Susan Brown Snook