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Prayers for people and Episcopal Diocese of Haiti available for anniversary of earthquake

January 6, 2011
Office of Public Affairs
Prayers are available to recognize and commemorate the first anniversary of the earthquake that devastated Haiti and destroyed the Holy Trinity Episcopal Cathedral.

Prayers and collects are posted here: http://www.episcopalchurch.org/haiti.php

The Diocese of Haiti is the largest in The Episcopal Church. The January 12, 2010 earthquake leveled the churches and diocesan facilities, including Holy Trinity Cathedral in the capital city of Port-au-Prince. Also lost in the destruction of the Cathedral site were Holy Trinity Music School, Holy Trinity Professional School, and the primary and secondary schools.

To submit prayers for sharing: Haiti@episcopalchurch.org

Samples of Prayers

Among the prayers posted for use are a collect and Prayers of the people from two Episcopal Dioceses.

A collect for Haiti from the Episcopal Diocese of Connecticut

O God, you made us in your own image and redeemed us through Jesus your Son: Look with compassion on the whole human family, and especially upon the people of Haiti; help us to heal those who are broken in body or spirit, and to turn their sorrow into joy; let the whole world see and know that things which were cast down are being raised up, and things which had grown old are being made new; through your Son Jesus Christ our Lord; who lives and reigns with you, in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.

Prayers for the People on the Anniversary of the Haiti Earthquake from the Episcopal Diocese of Pennsylvania:

Throughout our holy scriptures, God promises mercy and deliverance from misery and disaster to all the people of God, especially to the poor of the earth.

Let us pray for the Church and the people of Haiti in their continuing struggle for relief and restoration after earthquake and deprivation, saying “God of the afflicted, extend your mercy.”

O God, hope of the poor, raise your people from the dust of destruction and chaos, that homes, schools and hospitals may be recreated through the support of many;

God of the afflicted, extend your mercy.

O God, shepherd of your people, grant to your Church in Haiti your grace and strength, and especially to Jean Zache (Duracin), their bishop, and the clergy, to plan wisely in rebuilding to serve the poor and challenged.

God of the afflicted, extend your mercy.

O God, comforter of the afflicted, you opted for the poor of the earth in your Son Jesus Christ, who for our sakes made himself poor; strengthen the Haitian people in their struggle, bringing forth the talents and skills that you have given to us all. Drive away epidemic; heal the injured; raise up the infirmed.

God of the afflicted, extend your mercy.

O God, agent of justice, grant that the managers of systems and political leaders may be inspired to create new ways of eliminating poverty and creating prosperity, with equity and fairly compensated work.

God of the afflicted, extend your mercy.

O God, companion of the bereft, be present with and console your people in the loss of unnumbered loved ones, friends and neighbors. May they rest in peace and may your light shine forever upon them.

God of the afflicted, extend your mercy.

O God, maker of our imagination, we give you thanks for the artists and writers of Haiti who have enriched our lives with literature and painting and music; grant that we may continue to read their words, see their images and hear their music.

God of the afflicted, extend your mercy.

Just and loving God, as the community of the baptized we have promised to seek and serve your Son Jesus the Christ in all persons, and to respect the dignity of every human being; may we ever be witnesses to your love in the world into which you send us, in and with Jesus, servant of the poor. Amen.

For more information

A special webpage has been prepared allowing easy access to information, facts, videos depicting the destruction, and ways to donate: www.EpiscopalChurch.org/HaitiAppeal

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