God who rejoices with those who rejoice and weeps with those who weep,
We know that you are weeping with those who grieve the destruction of homes, hospitals, bridges,
and the loss of precious lives in Cebu, Philippines.
O God, we are powerless before the destructive forces of nature.
Yet we trust that your heart grieves with your people.
In compassion, you move to ease their pain,
to tend to numbing sadness,
and to bring balm to unbearable sorrow.
Work through your people, O God,
that your will may be done—
that healing may happen,
and that what has been lost may be rebuilt.
O God of hope, draw communities together.
In the unity of your Spirit, may we find comfort, renewal, and strength.
Amen.
—by Rev. Won Hur