A Prayer for the People of Venezuela

A devastating earthquake has struck Venezuela, causing widespread loss and displacement. Families have been separated, homes damaged, and communities left in grief.

In response, Rev Pablo Nunez has written a prayer for all who wish to join the Uniting Church in praying for the people of Venezuela. The prayer is offered in both English and Spanish.

God of mercy,
God who hears the cry before it becomes words,
God who stands with those whose knees tremble
and whose hearts have forgotten what safety feels like,

Today we lift before you the people of Venezuela.

We pray for families standing outside damaged homes,
for those searching through dust for treasured memories,
for those wondering what tomorrow will look like.

Lord, hold them.

We especially pray for the children.

For children who do not understand why the ground beneath them moved.
For children who are frightened by every aftershock,
who ask questions that adults cannot answer,
who simply want to sleep without fear.

Wrap them in your peace.
Place gentle people around them.
Protect their laughter,
because laughter is holy.
Protect their dreams,
because hope is your gift.

We pray for families, for parents and grandparents,
carrying burdens too heavy for one heart alone.
Give them courage that rises with the morning,
strength that does not depend on circumstances,
and companions who remind them that they are not alone.

We remember those who mourn.
The broken-hearted.
The injured.
The displaced.
The exhausted emergency workers.
The doctors, nurses, firefighters, volunteers and neighbours
whose hands become your hands.

May they know that every act of compassion
is a quiet resurrection.

God, awaken your Church.

Not simply to pray,
but to become the answer to its own prayers.

May your people cross borders of politics,
ideology and fear.
May we see not strangers,
but sisters and brothers.
Not statistics,
but beloved children made in your image.

Give us generous hearts,
open hands,
and feet willing to walk towards suffering
instead of away from it.

Teach us again
that love is never merely an emotion.
Love builds.
Love feeds.
Love shelters.
Love listens.
Love stays.

Jesus,
you knew what it was to weep with those who wept.
You knew what it was to carry hope into places that seemed beyond repair.

Walk now through every village,
every city,
every hospital,
every shelter,
every home.

May your Spirit whisper peace louder than fear,
hope stronger than despair,
and life greater than loss.

Until the day when every tear is wiped away,
and all creation stands renewed in your embrace.

In the name of Christ,
our refuge,
our peace,
our hope.

Amen.

Images Credit: ABC NEWS