In the midst of the aftermath of such great tragedy in Nepal this weekend, our hearts are heavy and burdened for what these dear people are experiencing. Such great loss of so many lives, and many quite possibly still trapped - waiting to be found.
People around the world have been praying for all of those in Nepal and surrounding areas who have been affected by this terrible earthquake. Often it’s hard to even begin to wrap our minds around such devastation, it’s staggering, the death toll now over 3600 and still climbing. People remain trapped under debris, on Mt. Everest, in villages that surround – with no clear way to get out to safety. Aftershocks rumbling. Fear of the unknown gripping.
And with such great loss, and the knowledge of how many must be suffering beyond what we can imagine, it’s hard sometimes to even know what to pray. “Lord, please help…” seems almost not enough, but yet it’s often just that simple cry of our hearts, souls unified around this world, faces turned towards the One who can bring true healing, grace, and refuge, that brings great change.
When we don’t know how to pray, praying God’s words back to Him is a powerful place to start. When it’s difficult to find the right thing to say, when our spirits are struggling to make sense of it all, His Words bring peace and hope.
Prayer + God’s Word = Great Power
May God be with these dear people of Nepal, and give huge grace and strength to the injured, the rescuers, and those who are experiencing such turmoil right now.
A prayer for the people of Nepal...
Dear God,
It’s hard to find words for such tragic loss that these precious people are suffering right now. We ask that you be close to them, that you pour out your grace and mercy for those for those who are hurting, for those who are facing death of loved ones, for those still waiting to be found under rubble. We pray for supernatural strength to be given to the rescuers. That you would open their eyes to see what they need to see and open their ears to hear what they need to hear. We ask that even through great destruction, you would bring stories of life and healing.
Thank you that your word says you are close to the brokenhearted and you save those who are crushed in spirit. Thank you that we can lift our eyes up to you, knowing that our only true source of help and strength comes from you. We ask for great miracles to be brought through this tragedy. We ask for the power of your presence to be made real in that place, and for the comfort of your Spirit to bring a covering of grace and healing. We ask that you would draw many to yourself in these days of darkest need.
Thank you for your Word that says:
“The Lord is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit.” Ps. 34:18
Lord, thank you are close to the brokenhearted and those devastated by great loss. Please be near these today, who feel grief, who are afraid, who are hurting, who are still waiting to be found…
"He is my refuge and my fortress, my God, in whom I trust." Ps. 91:2
Lord, thank you that you are a refuge and fortress for those who put their trust in you. Draw many to yourself through this time of disaster and need, may your Spirit bring freedom and life…
"God is our refuge, and strength, an ever-present help in trouble. Therefore we will not fear, though the earth give way and the mountains fall into the heart of the sea..." Ps. 46:1-2
Lord, thank you that you are our help and strength, that no matter what we face in this world, we do not have to fear. Please cover these people with your hope and peace…
"The name of the Lord is a strong tower; the righteous runs into it and is safe." Prov. 18:10
Lord, thank you that you are our Safety and there is great power in your name. Thank you that we can run to you when we face uncertainty and disaster, please be a tower of protection and strength over the people of Nepal…
“I lift up my eyes to the mountains— where does my help come from? My help comes from the Lord, the Maker of heaven and earth.” Ps. 121:1-2
Lord, you created the mountains that surround this land, you are able to do far more than we could ever imagine, thank you that you are our Helper in time of need, please bring your help and care to those who need your rescue and deliverance…
“Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I fear no evil, for You are with me;” Ps. 23:4
Lord, thank you that wherever we walk on this earth, you are still with us. May the presence of your Spirit cover this nation who desperately needs your care, may the power of your presence be close to the one still waiting to be found, may the healing of your presence be close to those who suffer such grief…
“For I am the Lord your God who takes hold of your right hand and says to you, Do not fear; I will help you.” Is. 43:13
Lord, thank you that you show us the way, thank you that you take us by the hand when our footsteps fail, and the world seems dark. Thank you that you are able. Shine your light on this land, may many know of your love, your saving power, and your ability to bring hope and life out of even the darkest of times.
Our world desperately needs you God, please be close to these today...
In Jesus' Name,
Amen
Debbie McDaniel is a writer, pastor's wife, mom to three amazing kids (and a lot of pets). Join her each morning on Fresh Day Ahead's facebook page, DebbieWebbMcDaniel, for daily encouragement in living strong, free, hope-filled lives. Find her also at Twitter.