A collect for victims of the 2004 tsunami in South Asia
Contributed by Timothy Dombek, St James Church, Greenville, South Carolina, USA
O merciful Father, you have taught us in your holy Word that you do not willingly afflict or grieve the children of humanity: Look with pity upon the sorrows of the people of Sri Lanka, India, Indonesia, Thailand, Malaysia, the Maldives, Myanmar, Bangladesh, Somalia and the inhabitants of islands around the Indian Ocean affected by the earthquake and tsunami waves, for whom our prayers are offered. Remember in mercy these, your children, O Lord, created in your image; nourish their souls with patience, comfort them with a sense of your goodness, lift up your countenance upon them, and give them hope.
Stir the leaders and peoples of the nations of the world to a compassionate and generous response: that we may give swift medical attention to the injured and dying; safe shelter to the homeless; clothing to the naked; food and clean water to those who hunger and thirst.
Bless all those whose lives were lost, comfort all families in grief and uncertainty, and receive the souls of the unknown dead.
We make this prayer through Jesus Christ our Savior. Amen.