Reverend Edwin Gonzalez-Castillo from the Presbyterian Church in the U.S.A Prays for the Victims of the Earthquake Which Struck Syria and Turkey

Photo: The Middle East Council of Churches - Syria

In the aftermath of the devastating earthquake which struck Syria, Turkey and some countries of the Middle East, the international community have directly shown solidarity with the people of the region to help and support them and unite with them in Prayer.

In a message to the Middle East Council of Churches, Reverend Edwin Gonzalez-Castillo, the new director for Presbyterian Disaster Assistance at the Presbyterian Church in the U.S.A (PCUSA), prays for the affected and afflicted people in Syria and Turkey, asking God to provide them determination and strength in overcoming this disaster with great faith.

You can find below the text of the Prayer.

“God of mercy, we join in prayer for our siblings in Syria and Turkey, and all other regions affected. In the face of the terrible images that come to us, we ask that your Spirit, O God, once again move in the midst of chaos and destruction.

May your Spirit be with the first responders, neighbors putting their lives at risk to help those around them, and anyone assisting during this time of emergency. May you provide protection, energy and strength through your presence. Be with them as they search for victims, guide them during the long hours and allow them to find hope through your Spirit.

Dear God, as the days go by, provide wisdom and discernment to the local government agencies. May they be instruments of your grace as they care for the people affected. That they may receive help and support from countries near and far, and that, as they provide assistance, may there be enough for everyone.

As the stories are shared, and the recovery process begins, may your Spirit be with those who will be called to listen and to be agents of peace and hope.

Dear God, be with those

who weep,

who are angry,

who have lost hope,

who mourn out loud and in silence,

who don’t know what the future will bring.

May the prayers of your children rise to you.

May they feel your presence and comfort in the embrace of a stranger,

your love in the care of their neighbors and loved ones,

your grace in every word and every silence,

and may your Spirit mourn with them and bring healing.

We pray that you may guide us as we look for ways to share your compassion and hope with those who suffer. That we may be ambassadors of your peace, your mercy, and your abundant love.

Through Jesus, who weeps with those who weep and heals every heart, amen.”