How to Pray When Disaster Strikes

My friend Audrey Eusey linked to this article - How to Pray When Disaster Strikes - on Facebook today. I found it an extremely thoughtful guide, one I will most definitely be using in the days ahead. Audrey and her husband and one month old son will be moving to northern Japan in August. Please pray for them as they prepare to plant their lives among these people whose lives have been forever changed by today's events.

Here are the main points from the article:

1. Pray for those in need of rescue that it will come swiftly.
2. Pray for the rescuers – safety, rest, encouragement, in the midst of horror and unrelenting pain.
3. Pray for families that have witnessed the unthinkable, are worried about loved ones, and fearful for their own safety.
4. Pray for children who need comfort and safety, hugs and reassurance – even if they are physically “fine.”
5. Pray for governments and authorities that all red tape would disappear and corruption would cease.
6. Pray for relief agencies to have wisdom and compassion to make a lasting difference.
7. Pray for those around you that they would respond not just with what they can do, but with their heart.
8. Pray for yourself that you would have a heart of compassion – start now and it will grow.

I would add one more: Pray that people would turn to the only One who will truly complete the work of restoration and healing.