A deadly earthquake measuring 7.7 magnitude struck central Myanmar on 28 March, killing over 2,800 people and injuring thousands more.

Those who survived the terrifying earthquake now face a desperate humanitarian crisis.

• People are in urgent need of medical care, shelter, food and water, and access to safe sanitation and hygiene.
• Hospitals are so overwhelmed that injured patients are being treated in car parks and streets.
• Essential infrastructure like roads, electricity and internet have been severely damaged, making communication challenging.

Your prayers for people devastated by this disaster are desperately needed.

While you pray, please hold this verse in your heart: ‘God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in trouble.’ (Psalm 46:1)

What to pray for…

We’ve received some prayer requests from our partners in the region. Please take time to reach out to God and pray over these.

Pray for comfort

• Please pray for the people of Myanmar who have been affected by this catastrophic disaster. Ask God to be with the thousands of people mourning loved ones and bring comfort to those living with the after effects of this devastation.

Pray for strength

• Many people have lost loved ones. Many more have lost livelihoods. Today, pray they don’t lose hope. Search and rescue teams are attempting to find and free people from the rubble. Pray that God grants safety to survivors who haven’t been found, and strength and perseverance to those working tirelessly to reach them.

Pray for aid

• In times of disaster, every second counts. With communications disrupted, please pray that aid is delivered safely and essential supplies reach survivors of the deadly earthquake quickly.

Pray for Tearfund’s partners

• Take time to pray over Tearfund’s partners in the area. Ask that God continues to give strength, courage and resilience to our partners who are faithfully working to relieve the suffering of people affected.

A prayer for Myanmar

Heavenly Father,

We come before you in this time of deep lament, as we mourn the loss of so many people to the deadly earthquake in Myanmar. We know this tragedy breaks your heart, and we pray that you comfort everyone affected by this disaster.

Please guide us in how we should each respond to this devastation. We ask that aid supplies quickly and safely reach those in desperate need – and that necessary repairs are made to the damaged infrastructure that threatens to slow down relief efforts.

As news of survivors and miraculous rescues come in, we ask that you continue to lay your loving hand over the area and the surrounding region – and bring a peace and healing that only you can.

In Jesus’ name,

Amen

Ways to pray…

Here are some creative ways that you can talk to God in this time of lament:

Pray using a candle

• Just as light reaches far into the darkness, God is present with all those suffering in Myanmar. Light a candle and begin by welcoming God’s presence. This could be by saying ‘God, you are here’ as you breathe in, ‘and I am here with you,’ as you breathe out.
• Take a moment of lament to express the pain and grief that the earthquake has brought to so many.
• Take this moment to lean on God and call for his healing and peace to reach Myanmar.

Pray over essential items

• Gather some bread, water, tissues, a blanket and something from a first aid kit.
• Take time holding each of these in your hand.
• As you do, pray for these items to reach those who need them in the aftermath of the earthquake – that supplies would reach where they are needed, those who need medical care would receive it, and those who need shelter would find it.

Pray on a walk/outside

• In Matthew 4:23, we read: ‘Jesus went throughout Galilee… healing every disease and sickness among the people.’
• Go for a walk. And as you do, imagine Jesus walking through the rubble and makeshift homes of those affected by the earthquake, bringing healing and hope to all those he meets.
• Pray that God would ‘heal the broken hearted and bind up their wounds.’ (Psalm 147:3)

Thank you…

Your prayers are powerful. In this catastrophe, God hears you calling out. He hears your heart cry out for those in need, and he feels the pain of every life lost to this tragedy. Thank you for praying for the people of Myanmar.