Natural Disaster Relief
First: We Pray!
He who dwells in the shelter of the Most High will rest in the shadow of the Almighty. I will say of the Lord, "He is my refuge and my fortress, my God, in whom I trust."
--Psalm 91:1-2
For a Person in Trouble or Bereavement:
O merciful Father, who hast taught us in thy holy word that thou dost not willingly afflict or grieve the children of men: Look with pity upon the sorrows of thy servants for whom our prayers are offered. Remember them, O Lord, in mercy, nourish their souls with patience, comfort them with a sense of thy goodness, lift up thy countenance upon them, and give them peace; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen (The Book of Common Prayer, p.831)
For the Departed:
Almighty God, we remember this day before thee thy [faithful servants who have died in natural disasters]; and we pray that, having opened to them the gates of larger life, thou will receive them more and more into thy joyful service, that, with all who have faithfully served thee in the past, they may share in the eternal victory of Jesus Christ our Lord; who lives and reigneth with thee, in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen (The Book of Common Prayer, p.202)
"They shall hunger no more, neither thirst any more;
the sun shall not strike them, nor any scorching heat.
For the Lamb in the midst of the throne will be their shepherd,
and he will guide them to springs of living water;
and God will wipe away every tear from their eyes."
Revelations 7:16,17
For the Right Use of God's Gifts:
Almighty God, whose loving hand hath given us all that we possess: Grant us grace that we may honor thee with our substance, and, remembering the account which we must one day give, may be faithful stewards of thy bounty, through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen. (The Book of Common Prayer, p.827)
Then: We Give!
Information and news concerning Episcopalians and Natural Disaster Relief is available at the Diocese of Virginia and the Episcopal News Service web site.
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Relief Links:
Episcopal Relief and Development
Federal Emergency Management Agency