For Those Who Grieve and Suffer

"More than 3,000 people have died in a 6.3 magnitude earthquake that struck central Java in Indonesia early Saturday May 27, 2006, and casualty figures are expected to rise."--CNN

O God,

Again,

The ground is quaking

Swallowing up the old and the young

babies at the breast

and those whose words had become faint whispers

Swallowing up futures and dreams

and leaving living terror in its place.

On this day, O God,

as we remember that we are all from the dust

We pray for those who suffer in Indonesia

We pray for those who grieve known losses

and for those who are waiting.

(Silence)

We pray for those who are helping

for those who will travel to help

and for the thousands who need help.

(Silence)

Lord, have mercy upon your suffering people

Make your Presence known

And grant Your peace.

Amen.