A Litany to Voice What Our Soul Longs to Pray

Every time I have checked the New York Times this week, the death toll from the earthquake in Turkey and Syria has increased by thousands. If I’m honest, I find myself wanting to read all about it while also wanting to ignore it completely. It’s hard to write words in response to such horrific events, let alone process it.  

In times like this, I often turn to the poems and prayers of others. It seems they often voice what my soul desires to say long before I can put words together. I’ve adapted the following prayer by Fran Pratt from her book, Call and Response: Litanies for Congregational Prayer. May it voice what your soul longs to say. 

Divine Restorer of All Things,
We look to you in times of trouble and loss.
We know you weep, oh God, with those who weep.
You mourn with those who mourn. 

Divine Comforter, have mercy upon your people;
Those who have breathed their last,
Those who are injured and wounded,
Those who see unimaginable destruction,
Those who are weighed down by deep grief. 

You weep, oh God, with those who weep.
You mourn with those who mourn. 

Divine One, we give thanks for those who have survived,
For the ones who have helped and responded,
For the people who embody love,
For the rescuers who will not stop. 

You weep, oh God, with those who weep.
You mourn with those who mourn. 

Heal your people, oh God.
Rescue them from distress,
Enfold them in your kindness,
Surround them in your care. 

You weep, oh God, with those who weep.
You mourn with those who mourn. 

Make of us all a strong and resilient people:
A people prone to compassion,
A people prone to good works,
A people prone to patience,
A people prone to listening,
A people healed and whole, dedicated to justice and peace.

You weep, oh God, with those who weep.
You mourn with those who mourn.