Prayers

#546 - Empathy in Response to a Loved One's Tragedy
Volume 2 - Prayers to Love Our Neighbor

Dear Father, I heard the awful news today that the home of a loved one was damaged or destroyed by fire. They were injured in a serious car accident. They were victims of a natural disaster. I don't want dear family or friends to suffer tragedy. I don't want them to experience panic or terror. I don't want them to experience great loss or severe emotional pain. I don't want them to be traumatized, with memories that will be nightmares for years. I don't want them to be left homeless. I don't want them to become dazed and confused, unsure of what to do next. I don't want them to feel, even for a moment, that You have abandoned them. Father, it is called empathy, the ability to place ourselves into a loved one's life and imagine how they feel. I thank You that empathy is a blessing You give to those who have surrendered their lives to You. If we, as broken, selfish, and weak human beings, can empathize with someone who has experienced a great loss, imagine how much You empathize with them. Father, show me how to minister to this dear one. What can I do? How can I encourage them? What can I do to ease their burden? How can I help them make decisions? What errands can I do for them? Can I get them meals? Can I offer them a place to sleep? Can I help them sift through their charred belongings? Can I give them my shoulder to cry on? Do they need me to listen to them? Father, I want them to know how deeply they are loved by You. I want to be an agent of that love. Please use me. Amen.

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