Disaster Response Litany

The following responsive reading may be used in a variety of worship settings.

A LITANY OF HOPE
As We Ready Ourselves for Future Disasters  

Leader:
When flood waters engulf entire communities; when earthquakes cause buildings and lives to crumble in a heap; when tornadoes rip through churches; and fires burn away what little is left of a family’s hope, who will go to the people with blankets, and food, and generators of hope?

People:     
Who will take the initiative to bring hope to people devastated by wayward forces of nature, human error, and violence? Who will go to save the people?

Leader:
“And I heard the voice of the Lord saying, ‘Whom shall I send, and who will go for us?’ Then I said…” (Isaiah 6:8).

People:
Here am I! Send me.

Leader:
You? You are willing to take the initiative to ready yourself for future disasters, equip disaster response trailers across Virginia, and commit to long-term recovery efforts?

People:
Here am I! Send me.

Leader: 
Then you can offer hope to those “who have fled for refuge.” You can offer “strong encouragement” to those whose lives are torn apart by disaster. You can help them “seize the hope” that is set before us all (Hebrews 6:18).

All:
O God, you loved the world enough to give your life for us. Help us to follow your example. As we reach out to people who must live with the aftermath of disasters, transform our Initiative of Hope into a life-changing avenue for the offering of your grace. In the name of Christ, the source of our hope, we pray. Amen.