How can we pray after an earthquake happens?
Earthquakes can happen without warning, can develop anywhere in the world, and can cause devastating damage as well as multiple fatalities.
After major earthquakes, there are severe health care, water, sanitation, and hygiene needs.
The Lord reminds us in Romans 12:12 (ESV) to “Rejoice in hope, be patient in tribulation, be constant in prayer.”
Prayer remains one of the most transformational forces in the lives of individuals, communities, churches, and nations. As Christians, we are called to submit to His word, pray without ceasing, and to glorify Him even in times of tragedy.
Below you will find some powerful prayers to pray after an earthquake to ask God to bring comfort and healing to those who are impacted by it.
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Prayers to Pray After an Earthquake
We can only imagine such fear, grief, and lament that may occur after a massive earthquake. Often in times of catastrophe and suffering, we temporarily forget the goodness of God, his sovereignty, and that God’s love for us is unwavering.
God has complete and utter control of all the things that happen in the world. In a natural disaster, although it may be difficult, we are to set our minds on the promises of God, Christ’s return, and the hope of eternal life with Him. Focusing on God’s promises will help people find comfort, joy, and confidence in their present condition.
Let us pray for everyone who may be impacted by an earthquake.
Sovereign God, Our Compassionate Creator. Help me to exalt you in our time of tragedy, fear, and uncertainty. We know that you have not given us a spirit of fear or despair.
Replace these feelings with unshakeable faith and joyful hope. You are sovereign and we know that everything works together for the good of all those who love him.
We understand that you will never leave or forsake us no matter what our current circumstances may look like. Help us to remember your goodness, love, and your promise of an inheritance as we recover from this earthquake. Amen.
Prayer for Earthquake Victims
Earthquake victims are faced with new and unimaginable difficulties that may be temporary or lifelong. These communities often struggle to recover and are faced with death, illness, lack of food and water, poor sanitary conditions, and homelessness.
Earthquakes and their effects tend to remind us of how fragile and fleeting material possessions and even life can be.
2 Peter 3:9 (ESV) “The Lord is not slow to fulfill his promise as some count slowness, but is patient toward you, not wishing that any should perish, but that all should reach repentance.”
Common responses to such tragedies can range from a repentant heart to others losing their faith in the goodness of God. God’s word says that he does not wish that anyone would perish but instead that all may come to repentance.
Earthquake victims will need to be patient and hopeful while allowing God to guide them through difficult times.
Father God. Through dark and difficult moments, we know that you are always with us. Today we come to You in prayer to ask You to bring comfort, healing, and restoration to the communities that have been devastated by an earthquake.
Let the people of these towns rest in the comfort of knowing that You are with them and that you will provide for their needs as You always have. In Jesus Name, Amen.
Prayer for those Who Are Displaced by an Earthquake
After an earthquake, hundreds (possibly thousands) of people may have homes that are destroyed and deemed uninhabitable.
As a result, entire towns can be displaced and have to rely on relief agencies providing temporary shelter.
Over 1 million residents were displaced after the horrific earthquake that occurred in Haiti in 2010.
Earthquake victims were left homeless and faced to live in tents outside the rubble that lined that city of Port au Prince.
Psalm 57:1 (NIV) “Have mercy on me, my God, have mercy on me, for in you I take refuge. I will take refuge in the shadow of your wings until the disaster has passed.”
Although they may be frightened, Earthquake victims will need to be reminded to be constant in prayer, seek the promises of God, and derive their strength from God.
Eternal and Everlasting God, Creator and sustainer of all that is on the Earth. We cry out in thankfulness to you for sparing our lives. We pray that we might find our refuge in you and nothing else.
Remind us that you are a very present help in time of trouble. Remind us that you are our refuge and our strength. Even though the earth has given way, we will not be afraid.
Help us to find refuge underneath your wings. With you, we are safe and stable in this temporary unstable environment. Amen
Prayer for Lives Lost During an Earthquake
Unfortunately, the massive destruction caused by earthquakes also results in the loss of life. Since earthquakes happen without warning, most people have no time to find safe shelter.
Even the smallest earthquake can cause the loss of life because of buildings and heavy structures collapsing.
Let us pray for those who have perished after an earthquake and ask God to comfort their families as they mourn their loss.
2 Corinthians 5:1 (NIV) “For we know that if the tent that is our earthly home is destroyed, we have a building from God, a house not made with hands, eternal in the heavens.”
Lord, comfort those who lost their lives suddenly this day, let them find everlasting peace with you in Heaven. Console all families that have lost loved ones.
Comfort those that mourn and grieve. Ease the pain of all suffering. Let families find peace in knowing that death ushers us into the eternal presence of Christ in whom sadness, pain, and suffering no longer dwell. Amen.
Prayer for Rescue Workers after an Earthquake
Immediately after an earthquake, the first priority is to rescue anyone who may be trapped under collapsed buildings or otherwise in dire need of emergency medical service.
Rescue workers often put their own lives at risk in their attempts to rescue those in need of help.
Father God, thank you for the selfless individuals who risk their own safety in order to rescue others who are hurt or trapped after an earthquake. Please wrap your mighty arms of protection around them and keep them safe and guide them to those who are in need. In Jesus Name, Amen.
Prayer for Relief Workers after an Earthquake
After an earthquake, so many people are without food and shelter and many more may need other types of resources to live. Volunteers and relief workers from military entities along with numerous non-profit organizations come to proved hot meals, shelter, hygiene items, and much more.
2 Corinthians 1:3-4 (ESV) “Blessed be God, the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of mercies, and the God of all comfort; who comforts us in all our tribulation, so that we may be able to comfort those who are in any affliction, with the comfort with which we ourselves are comforted by God.”
These people provide such a vital need for the people of a community that has been devastated by an earthquake!
Use this example prayer to pray for the many relief workers who will show up to help after an earthquake:
Dear Gracious Father, we thank you for the relief workers and their heroic response to the earthquake. We pray for their protection, safety, and strength. Father, give them the tools and supplies that they may need.
Give them the mercy and comfort of Christ so that they may reach out to those that are in need. May their efforts be a success and when their mission is completed, let them return home to their families safely and rest in a job well done. Amen.
Prayer of Restoration after an Earthquake
A powerful earthquake can destroy buildings, roads, churches, bridges, schools as well as transportation and communication services. There often is a lack of a clean water supply, lack of food, and poor sanitary conditions.
Isaiah 61:4 (NIV) “They will rebuild the ancient ruins and restore the places long devastated; they will renew the ruined cities that have been devastated for generations.”
After an earthquake, there can also be long-term societal impacts such as homelessness and children who have newly become orphans. A prayer of restoration is needed as efforts are made toward the rebuilding of communities, families, and public utilities.
God, Our Heavenly Father, our Provider, Healer, and Counselor. We ask you for your protection, provision, and restoration. God, we ask you for a speedy recovery and the quick rebuilding of our communities.
We lift up those who may have lost homes, jobs, and possessions. We lift up all of the children who have lost their homes, schools, or parents. We pray for the restoration of transportation, communication, and adequate food and drink.
Send your manna from Heaven Lord as you did for the Israelites who traveled through the wilderness. Renew our cities. Amen.
Most of us can understand how earthquakes occur but we don’t fully understand why God allows earthquakes to occur. What we do know is that God is our creator and that He is Lord of all Creation.
Be sure to also read about how to pray for protection from storms and floods and those impacted by other natural disasters.
He is our redeemer who is righteous and just. We know that God can bring good out of any tragedy; after all, he has brought life out of death!
We have to continue to trust in Him during times of destruction and chaos. We all have a great opportunity to help those affected by an earthquake by praying for them and encouraging them to rejoice in hope, be patient in tribulation, and be constant in prayer.
Are you looking for some tools and tips to boost your prayer life? If so, be sure to visit our Prayer Resources Library where you’ll find everything you need to become a powerful prayer warrior!
Michelle Guirand is a Seminary student and Bible enthusiast who enjoys helping others learn how to understand and embrace God’s Word.
