The tragedy in Haiti, like so many human tragedies before it, has momentarily shaken many of us out of our comfortable, hyper-real lifestyles.
Suffering is part of the human experience, and most of the time, most of us will do just about anything to avoid it; both other's suffering and our own. But sometimes, as now, it is in our face and we simply have to deal with it.
One thing we like to do with suffering is throw money at it, as it makes us feel better. Of course, we should give money (and can: www.salvationarmy.com.au/). Many of us also like to pray at times like this. Again, it makes us feel better, and we hope makes some kind of difference.
But what disasters, such as the one in Haiti, really highlight is that something much more profound needs to happen. Somehow, we need to collectively reconsider where it is we are going, and would like to go, as a people. Somehow, we need to see a new humanity emerge that values people over power and money.
I hope future generations prove more successful at solving the 'somehow' than my generation, and the generations before mine have been.
Anyway, a prayer was promised and is due. My fourteen month old daughter is sick with a cold, and I include her in my prayer too.
Dear God,
We remember today, those is Haiti who are suffering; those mourning the loss of loved ones, lost themselves, physically broken, angry, frightened, alone.
We pray for swift assistance. We pray for peace. We pray that you will fill the empty space in our prayers where we don't even know what to pray for.
We pray that we would not remain uneffected and indifferent to those suffering in Haiti, in the same way that we are not indifferent to those suffering in our homes. Help us to reconsider what we value; and enable us to live our values each day.
We also pray for forgiveness. Forgive us for those things we do (and do not do) that perpetuate injustice, destroy communities, and degrade and dehumanise those you love.
We pray for all those suffering. We pray for ourselves. We pray for change.
God be with us,
Amen
