Prayers for Refugees

the suffering, the displaced, homeless, victims of tragedy.

 

"[T]he angel of the Lord appeared to Joseph in a dream and said, "Rise, take the child and his mother, flee to Egypt, and stay there until I tell you. Herod is going to search for the child to destroy him." Joseph rose and took the child and his mother by night and departed for Egypt." Matt. 2:13-14.  Hospitality is required, Matthew 25:35; Matthew 25:38; Matthew 25:43 (New International Version) or see Matt. 25:31ff in the NAB.

 

"So you too must befriend the alien, for you were once aliens yourselves in the land of Egypt." Deut. 10:19 NAB. (And justice is also required.)

 

1. International Catholic Migration Commission prayers.

2. An English prayer for refugees.

3. A Mennonite Prayer.

4. US Catholic Bishops prayer for Migrants and Refugees.

5. "The presence and power of God now embraces all those affected by Hurricane Katrina. God's comfort consoles those who have lost loved ones. God's peace and tranquility touch those who have lost their lives. God's healing presence is quickened in those who have been injured. God's blessed assurance uplifts the survivors and blesses them with faith and hope. God's protection and wisdom quicken the minds and bodies of all those who are providing medical aid, relief and rescue. Thank you, God, that all hurting hearts are healed by your abiding love." Based on Ps. 91, from the Unity Church of the Hills.

6. "A prayer for refugees

Compassionate God, make your loving presence felt to refugees, torn from home, family and everything familiar. Warm, especially, the hearts of the young, the old, and the most vulnerable among them. Help them know that you accompany them as you accompanied Jesus, Mary, and Joseph in their exile to Egypt. Lead refugees to a new home and a new hope, as you led the Holy Family to their new home in Nazareth. Open our hearts to receive them as our sisters and brothers in whose face we see your son, Jesus. Amen." UNHCR.

7. Prayer for Migrants and Refugees

"Father of the poor, God of love, you made us all your children; we praise You and thank You. Full us with a sense of justice. Help us in your work, to take the side of the lowly, to defend the newcomer, to welcome the stranger. Help us now to befriend the friendless, protect the weak children, and work for the rights of all. Lord, on our journey home, bring us together in peace, in justice, and in love, through Christ our Lord. Amen. " Prayer E-Book: Petition Prayers.

8. A prayer from UNIYA, in Australia.

9. Collects from the Lutheran Church:

"For those in Affliction.

Almighty God, cast not away your people who cry out to you in their trublation; but for the glory of your Name, be pleased to aid the afflicted; through Jesus Christ, Thy Son, our Lord. Amen.

 

For those in Affliction.

O LORD, look down from heaven, behold, visit and relieve your servants, for whom we offer our suppilcations; look upon them with the eyes of your mercy; give them comfort and sure confidence in you; defend them from the danger of the enemy, and keep them in perpetual peace and safety; through Jesus Christ, Thy Son, our Lord. Amen.

 

For the sick.

ALMIGHTY, Everlasting God, the eternal Salvation of them that believe: Hear our prayers in behalf of your servants who are sick, for whom we implore the aid of your mercy, that being restored to health, they may render thanks to you in your Church; through Jesus Christ, Thy Son, our Lord. Amen."

10. The votive mass for refugees and exiles:

"Lord, no one is a stranger to you

and no one is ever far from you loving care.

In your kindness watch over refugees and exiles,

those separated from their loved ones,

young people who are lost,

and those who have left or run away from home.

Bring them back safely to the place where they long to be

and help us always to show your kindness

to strangers and those in need." New St. Joseph People's Prauer Book, #331, Catholic Book Publishing Co. (1980).

 

11. Lord God of love and goodness, I do not believe you want people to suffer, but I do believe we must at times experience trials, evils, and the harm that results from sin and mistake. As you suffered on the cross for our sake, I ask you to join us now in our time of difficulty. Be present to us and sustain us in our time of trial. Please work to alleviate the pain and suffering of those who are victims of tragedy and who have had to leave their homes. Please inspire all who can help to come to the aid of all those in need. Father, I ask this in the name of Jesus, the Christ, your son, and in union with the Holy Spirit. Amen.