Prayer Day 27 in Lenten Season – Very Rev. Prof. Konyinsola Àjàyí, SAN.
*March 31: Day 27 – Prayer for Thailand, Myanmar, and Divine Protection from Natural Disasters*
O Almighty and Everlasting God, Creator of Heaven and Earth, You Who laid the foundations of the world, Who set the mountains in their place, who commanded and the seas were formed — I come before You in reverence, calling upon Your mercy for the lands shaken by destruction, especially the people of Myanmar and Thailand — seeking that You be their refuge, strength and comfort; let Your peace reign where there is fear; and let Your grace uphold those who cry out to You.
O Lord of Compassion, Refuge of the afflicted, look with mercy on the people of Thailand, Myanmar, and neighbouring nations affected by this earthquake, be their stronghold in the ruins, and comfort the grieving. Father, Healer of the Broken, with Your Son, the Great Physician, heal the wounded; strengthen the weary; let aid flow swiftly; let hope rise from despair, and let Your presence be light in their darkness.
Omnipotent Father of Mercy and Grace, Lord of Power and Might, our Rock and Fortress, I pray for all other nations, especially Nigeria — protect us from destruction; steady the trembling ground; calm the raging storms; speak peace over the quivering earth; restrain the winds, calm the waters, and stay the hand of self-destruction and greed from the nations.
O Lord, my Rock and Fortress, I know that we disturb nature and have not caringly tended the earth as You commanded at the beginning of creation to the extent that, by our activity, we have affected natural occurrences and brought climate change — bringing untold consequences.
Now, Lord, our Refuge, Deliverer, and Unfailing Hope, I look to You for safety wherever I am; should the earth shake, or the skies darken, or the winds howl and the waters rise, keep me and my loved ones secure in the hollow of Your mighty hand; guard my home, my steps, my neighbours, and our lives from harm: Let no disaster overtake me, and let no calamity consume my home and heritage.
Lord God, Guardian of the faithful, Commander of the Heavens, send forth Your angels to encamp around me; let the ground be firm beneath my feet, and let my heart never waver in trust.
O God of Eternity, Keeper of Souls — no force of nature is beyond Your dominion — so Lord, by Your dominion, power and might, keep me safe all through my life till I find rest in You through the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, in Whose Name I pray.
*Amen.*
*Patriarch’s Note.*
It is a profound honour to provide the Key Bible Verses that resonate deeply with our *Prayer for Thailand, Myanmar, and Divine Protection from Natural Disasters themes.* I have ensured they are presented, incorporating the New King James Version (NKJV).
*Key Bible Verses:*
- *Psalm 46:1-3*
*_“God is our refuge and strength, a present help in trouble. Therefore we will not fear, Even though the earth be removed, And though the mountains be carried into the midst of the sea; Though its waters roar and be troubled, Though the mountains shake with its swelling.”_*
- *Isaiah 41:10*
*_“Fear not, for I am with you; Be not dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you, Yes, I will help you; I will uphold you with My righteous right hand.”_*
- *Psalm 121:7-8*
*_“The Lord shall preserve you from all evil; He shall preserve your soul. The Lord shall preserve your going out and your coming in From this time forth, and even forevermore.”_*
- *Matthew 8:26*
*_“But He said to them, ‘Why are you fearful, O you of little faith?’ Then He arose and rebuked the winds and the sea, and there was a great calm.”_*
- *Lamentations 3:22-23*
*_“Through the Lord’s mercies, we are not consumed, Because His compassions fail not. They are new every morning; Great is Your faithfulness.”_*
These verses remind us of God’s unfailing presence and protection, assuring us that He is our steadfast refuge and strength in times of turmoil and natural disaster. As we pray for the safety and healing of the people in Thailand, Myanmar, and beyond, let us hold onto the assurance that God is profoundly compassionate and always willing to aid those in need.
In a world where natural occurrences may seem overwhelming, we are invited to trust in His unchanging nature and power. It is in His hands that we find peace amid chaos, and through our faith, we can be instruments of hope and comfort to those who are suffering.
Let us also be inspired to care for the earth as stewards of God’s creation, reflecting on our role in nurturing the environment and mitigating the causes of climate change.
May we all find solace in His promises and strength in our prayers as we seek comfort and change.