A Prayer for Venezuela

Last night, the earth shook beneath Venezuela — twice.

A 7.2 magnitude foreshock struck western Venezuela, followed just 40 seconds later by a 7.5 magnitude mainshock — the strongest earthquake to hit the country in more than 125 years. At least 164 people have been killed and nearly 1,000 injured, with the death toll expected to rise. Rescue workers and neighbors worked through the night searching for survivors, and millions of Venezuelans living abroad have been frantically trying to reach loved ones through power cuts and broken communications. Wikipedia + 2

We hold them all in prayer today.

Lord,

Protect every family touched by this disaster. Strengthen the first responders working tirelessly to save lives. Bring peace to the frightened, comfort to the grieving, and healing to the wounded.

As the world turns its eyes to Venezuela, remind us that your love has no borders — that every precious life there is made in your image and is your child, known by name, held in your hands.

May your presence go where rescue teams cannot yet reach. May your comfort arrive before words do. And may Venezuela feel the fullness of your grace.

Amen.

To help, consider giving through the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC) or UNICEF, both coordinating relief efforts in Venezuela.