Because of the recent earthquake in Japan and the resultant tsunami, thousands in that nation as well as in our own country have lost their lives and much property has been destroyed. The global impact of this disaster has not begun to be calculated.
We have seen evidence from a map issued by the Geospatial Information Authority in Japan which shows an eight foot shift in their land mass. This is consistent with what would be expected due to an 8.9 magnitude earthquake. Additionally, there are reports from the National Institute of Geophysics and Volcanology in Italy which estimate the 8.9-magnitude quake shifted our planet on its axis by nearly 4 inches.
Lord Jesus, in light of all that is transpiring on our planet--earthquakes and other natural disasters, wars, rumors of war, nations and ideologies rising against one another, the disintegration of the family, men's hearts failing them for fear--we cannot but lift our eyes to You and supplicate Your mercy toward us at this perilous juncture in time.
Dear Lord, we pray especially for the people of Japan whose nation has been devastated by this enormous earthquake. We pray You will help them rebuild and we especially implore you to comfort those who have lost loved ones. There is no easy way to say a final goodbye to those near in heart, but this sudden calamity has wrenched many away from the bosom of families and their grief is profound.
Help us not to be fearful as we see events that remind us that Your coming is soon; rather, let us grow strong in faith and steadfast in our expectation of seeing You face-to-face. Help us to be resolute in our determination to canvass our world with the knowledge of Your love and salvation. Help us to have Your holy boldness that tells of Your mercy which is renewed every morning so that in troubled times we will "Cast all our cares upon You," (I Peter 5:7), knowing that You indeed, "care for us." In Your mighty name we ask, Jesus. Amen.
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