A Prayer for the Migrant Crisis

A Prayer for the Migrant Crisis

9/11/2015

In this issue of the UMCOR Hotline, a prayer is offered by the Rev. Jack Amick, International Disaster Response executive for UMCOR, concerning the plight of those migrating to Europe and other parts of the world
Please pray for the thousands of people that have journeyed across the waters to find peace, safety and refuge.

Recent news report that more than 16,000 migrants have streamed into Austria since the weekend and more than 17,500 people were received in Munich, Germany, alone. According to the United Nations Refugee Agency estimates, more than 366,000 refugees and migrants have crossed the Mediterranean Sea to Europe this year and at least 2,800 have died or disappeared during the journey.

The Rev. Jack Amick, head of International Disaster Response for UMCOR, the United Methodist Committee on Relief, offers a prayer of action and solidarity for those fleeing conflict and migrating to Europe and other parts of the world. 

Prayer for a New Vision
God of Shalom, 
Grant us hearts that cry like yours
At the sight of dead boys on beaches,
Packed train cars,
And long lines of families on the move.

We confess that we have seen these images for centuries. 
Grant us, this time, the wisdom to act in a way that turns history upside down.
And brings your shalom on earth as it is in heaven.
Grant us arms that welcome the stranger;
Grant us hands that feed the hungry;
Grant us feet that walk with those whose feet search 
For a new home, a new job, a new life.

Help us understand how bad things must have been,
And how much vision these survivors must have had 
To make this terrible trek. 

Grant us the vision to see what they see:
Your shalom where there is no more violence,
Where life is full and abundant for all, 
Where no one is hungry,
And everyone is welcome at the feast.

Amen.

Read article from UM News Service about the refugee crisis in Europe.
UMCOR provides emergency relief in many areas of the world. To find out more about UMCOR's ministries, please visit umcor.org. You can donate to any project by placing a contribution in the offering plate at a local United Methodist church by sending a check to:

UMCOR
PO Box 9068
New York, NY 10087-9068
or by calling 1-800-554-8583, where credit card donations are accepted. You can also give online by clicking any of the "DONATE" links or make a $10 donation anytime by texting "UMCOR" to 41444 to support our relief efforts around the world. UMCOR is exempt from tax under section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code of the United States and qualifies for the maximum charitable contribution deduction by donors.

Please pray for those who are hungry, displaced, sick, or in poverty because of these and other natural and human-made disasters, and for the workers who minister with them. 
 
 
Photo Caption

Image 1: Please pray for the thousands of people that have journeyed across the waters to find peace, safety and refuge. Photo: Kathleen Barry
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