Praying for Haiti

In preparing my sermon this week, the week of the tragedy in Haiti, I found myself taken by the prayer of Isaiah for Jerusalem in chapter 62 of that book (vs. 1-5). Following is my reworking of that prayer on behalf of the people of Haiti. May we all pray with hope in the promises and love of God.

For Haiti's sake I will not keep silent, and for the sake of the Haitian people I will not rest, until their vindication shines out like the dawn, and their salvation like a burning torch.
2The nations shall see your decency and goodness, and all the World leaders your dignity; and you shall be called by a new name that the mouth of the Lord will give.
3You shall be a crown of beauty in the hand of the Lord.
4You shall no more be termed devestated, and your land shall no more be termed Desolate; but you shall be called a Bride of God, for the Lord delights in you and will claim you as his bride.
5Your children will commit themselves to you, nation of Haiti, just as a young man commits himself to his bride. Then God will rejoice over you as a bridegroom rejoices over his bride.

Christmas Eve Prayer

This is especially useful with children, but also speaks from a grown-up's heart. As I wrote it I was aware that there are only so many of us that can truly pray it. Let us remember that there are far too many people in this world that cannot pray it for lack basic necessities, let alone money to buy gifts and festive food. Let us pray for their rest as well - the rest of justice and sustenance.

Jesus, our friend we have been so busy getting ready for your birthday: buying presents, decorating our homes, visiting Santa, cooking extra food. It has been a lot of fun, most of the time.

We would like to rest now.
We would like to rest in the celebration of life and light that Christmas is.
We would like to rest in the peace that only you can bring to our lives and to this world.
We would like to rest knowing that you care for us, that you care for the people we love, and that you care for all the world. Your love is awesome.

In the quiet moments of this night, maybe just before we fall asleep, help us to know your loving presence with us on our earthly journey. and as we awake tomorrow, with the song of happiness in our hearts, as we open the presents, eat the food and take pleasure in being together, let us not forget that you are with us. Indeed, you are the guest of honour.
Happy Birthday Jesus.
Amen.