A RESTORATION PRAYER FOR HAITI

O God, incarnate in the One with a heart for the poor, who suffered even unto death but was raised in power and hope: through the voice of Haggai of old, we have heard your proclamation in response to the ruin of all held holy: “in a little while I will shake the heavens and the earth and the sea and dry land; and I will shake all the nations so that the treasure of all nations shall come, and I will fill this house with splendor…. (Haggia 2:6-7). O God of all things holy, who promises that splendor can emerge from the rubble, and who can mobilize the treasure of the nations for good: we trust that your Spirit abides in Haiti as you abide with us, and that destruction in Haiti is not be your last word.

We have heard the miracle stories; we have seen rescuers from across the globe lending their aid; we have heard the stories of logistical problems that need to be solved, or planes with supplies that care having trouble landing, or people who have felt forgotten because they of the difficulties of distribution. You have shaken the nations, even as the ground of Haiti has been shaken: buildings crumpled to the rubble, and the loss of so many souls still shaking the foundations of people’s lives; people still unaccounted for, and deep grief overtaking who families.

We all need the comfort of your presence, and the assurance of your almost incomprehensible promise that all which is holy and has been lost will be rebuilt. And with that rebuilding of structures, may there be the rebuilding of hope and confidence, even as you have promised through the scriptures that tried endurance builds character.

We confess that in the comfort of our homes, even those words of scripture can seem cheap. We know that Haiti’s real wealth is in its people, not in anything measured by silver or gold. The splendor of your promise in the rebuilding all that is holy requires more than gold and silver, and yet the generosity of neighbors has never been more important. Shake the nations so that their treasure shall come – the gold and the silver, and all that is good.

Use us O God, in the short term and the long term. Let the product of our compassion be a living sacrifice, holy and acceptable to You, transforming all who are encountered by your Spirit through renewing and recreating work. Renew our minds, that we may discern your will anew, relearning what is good and acceptable and perfect, bearing witness to your presence in Haiti so that the country and its people, and all whom the world encounters there as the story of recovery is told, will reveal your splendor. This in Christ’s name we pray. Amen.

Clint McCoy, Executive for Partnerships
January 23, 2009

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