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Worship Resources in Times of Natural Disasters

Although many of these resources were initially created for an immediate response to natural disasters, specifically Hurricane Katrina and the 2004 tsunami in Southeast Asia, they may also be amended slightly or may help provide ideas for similar resources for other natural disasters or for services remembering these events.

God is our refuge and strength,
an ever-present help in trouble.

Therefore we will not fear, though the earth give way
and the mountains fall into the heart of the sea,
though its waters roar and foam
and the mountains quake with their surging. (Psalm 46:1-3)

Gracious Lord, we pray for those who are still suffering from Hurricane Katrina.
Grant them your comfort, strength and healing
as they continue to rebuild their lives, homes, and communities.
In the name of Jesus Christ, we pray. Amen.

Extended Prayer for the Victims of Hurricane Katrina

Songs of Comfort and Trust in Times of Natural Disasters

Hymn Written in Response to the Devastation of Hurricane Katrina
by Stephen Lawton

Poem Written in Response to Katrina: 'Lament For New Orleans'
by Marc Nelesen

Support for Hurricane Relief

Other Resources
Worship Resources in the Aftermath of Hurricane Katrina
from the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America

Worship and Prayer Resources Following Hurricane Katrina
from The Text This Week

Related Feature Story
Hearing God's Voice through Change: The preacher's role

Responses to the Tsunami
Note: These resources were provided in the aftermath of the December 2004 tsunami in Southeast Asia, but they also speak to the suffering of victims and sorrow of viewers of Hurricane Katrina and other natural disasters. We encourage worship planners to give voice to the lament we have in the wake of such unspeakable destruction, and to affirm that our refuge and strength lies only in a sovereign God.

Worship Responses to the Tsunami
Pastoral wisdom and worship suggestions to aid worship planners and leaders in crafting an appropriate worship response. Prepared by Rev. Howard Vanderwell, Resource Development Specialist, CICW.

Prayer for the Victims of the Tsunami
A prayer offered in response to the Tsunami by Rev. Scott Hoezee, pastor of Calvin Christian Reformed Church, Grand Rapids, MI.

Worship Services
Though written with other occassions in mind, the following services are based on themes especially appropriate in response to the Tsunami:
God Is With Us: a service based on Zephaniah 3:17
Psalm 46 (My Refuge and Strength)
From Fear to Faith (Weekday Worship)

Other Resources
Prayer Resources in the Aftermath of the Tsunami from the Calvin College Chapel
Worship Resources in the Aftermath of the Tsunami from The Text This Week