PRAYER IN TIMES OF TRAGEDY

A PRAYER GUIDE FOR TIMES OF TRAGEDY

None of us who see the images or hear the stories of this weeks earthquake in Haiti can be unmoved. As followers of Jesus we share His compassion for the weak, the dying, the poor and in this case those who experience the pain of such tragedy. Such compassion makes us want to do something. We want to help. We want to make a difference.

Even as I write, a massive relief effort is underway. Plane loads of equipment, food, water, medical supplies and other essentials are being flown into Haiti. Relief agencies are raising millions of dollars in aid. At Parkway Bible Church we will be taking a "Love Offering For Haiti" as part of our worship on Sunday January 17. As followers of Jesus, we are compelled to use our resources to help the poor and the broken hearted. However, there is nothing we can do that will make more of a difference than prayer. Sometimes when we can’t think of anything we can do, we say, "Well, at least I can pray." It’s as if prayer were the least you could do. The fact is prayer is the best thing you can do.

The tragedy in Haiti is just one manifestation of evil in the world. It reminds us that we are in a great cosmic conflict, a spiritual battle with the powers of darkness that seek to kill and destroy. I don’t believe that earthquakes and natural disaster were part of the original creation. The curse of sin has impacted all of nature and all of nature groans for ultimate redemption (Romans 8:22). Our battle is a spiritual one and thus prayer is crucial.

I would encourage you to pray about four things as the tragedy in Haiti unfolds.

1. Pray For The Victims And Their Families.
The emotional turmoil, human pain and suffering not only now but for years to come will be tremendous. Pray that God would comfort the people of Haiti (and Haitians around the world including the large Haitian population in Montreal. The AGC has several Haitian churches there and 12 in Haiti). Pray that Jesus the Great Physician would heal them. Pray that Jesus the Counsellor and the Holy Spirit the Great Comforter would console them. Pray that God might use this tragedy to bring to Himself, those victims and family members who don’t have a personal relationship with Christ.

2. Pray For Our National Leaders And World Leaders
Pray for our Prime Minister, Stephen Harper, and Cabinet as they lead Canada’s response to this tragedy. Pray similarly for world leaders as they respond. Just the logistics of coordinating the aid from the nations of the world is a huge undertaking. Pray for those leaders who are making decisions around the world and pray that relief efforts would run smoothly and efficiently.

3. Pray For Rescue Efforts
As I write this, it is the last day that rescue workers hope to find anyone alive in the rubble. Pray for the rescue workers, counsellors, doctors and medical people who are working to find survivors, treat the injured, and provide food and housing for hundreds of thousands of people. The threat of the spread of diseases such as dysentery, cholera and malaria in the aftermath of the quake are very real. It is potentially possible that as many people could die from these as from the quake itself in the days ahead. Rescue workers put their lives in danger as they seek to help others. Pray that God wold give them incredible courage, wisdom and safety. The emotional scars on the Haitian people from this tragedy will continue long after the news reports have stopped. Pray for those counsellors, pastors and spiritual leaders who will guide people through the lingering questions, fears and anxiety.

4. Pray For The Nation Of Haiti
Haiti is a nation of unbelievable poverty and political instability. Pray for the government of Haiti and for political stability, for law and order and for the safety of survivors. Pray that God would use this tragedy to bring stability and social justice to this troubled nation. As painful as it is to watch the devastation, the reality is that God may use this to bring about a greater good in Haiti.

We are not untouched by the tragedy of others. We join with all the human family around the world, believers and unbelievers who are responding with compassion to this tragedy. But, as followers of Christ there is one thing that we bring to this tragedy that the world cannot, and that is the power of prayer. Brothers and sisters, let us pray for the people of Haiti.

Pastor Rick
January 15, 2010