A Prayer for Notre-Dame

A Prayer for Notre-Dame en Paris

Lord, at times such as this,
we plead for your mercy.As the grandest of our churches
crumbles about us,
in this our holiest of weeks,
we know too well how small we truly are
on this fragile planet we call home.

Today, so many people are devastated.
They roam the streets in shock at what they see,
and they keep vigil amid the ruins.

Yet you have promised never to forget us.
Do not forget us now.

Comfort the Church of Paris, Lord,
in this disaster.
Pierce, too, our hearts with compassion,
we who watch from afar.
Stay with us in our sorrow,
and help us to trust
in your Son’s resurrection.

And once the images of destruction
have stopped filling the news,
let us not forget that in Christ
we are all the children of Our Lady.

For though the mountains leave their place
and the hills be tossed to the ground,
your love shall never leave us,
and your promise of peace will never be shaken.

Our help is in the name of the Lord,
who made heaven and earth.
Blessed be the name of the Lord,
now and forever. Amen.