A PRAYER FOR REFUGEES

O Lord Jesus Christ, our Hope and Salvation, have mercy on those that are driven from their homelands and seek refuge elsewhere. Guide their steps as You did Your holy family who fled the murderous rage of Herod, and keep them from every danger, evil and disaster as they flee from war, unrest, persecution and cruel injustice. You Who declared that the foxes had dens but You had no place to lay Your head, grant rest and succor to those who are weary, wounded and unprotected.

And to those cities and lands to which they travel, grant peace, wisdom and compassion to receive those who come in great numbers and in great distress. Bless and multiply what they can provide as You multiplied the loaves and the fishes to feed multitudes, blessing those who give as well as those who receive. Enlarge them in bounty and spirit that they may be havens of rest and relief to those in need, that Your hospitality may overcome the madness of evil men and chaos of natural disasters.

Forgive every transgression of those who are forced to leave their homes and have mercy also on those who receive them and offer them shelter, for You are good and the lover of mankind.

To You our gracious Lord and God, we ascribe glory, together with Your Father Who is from everlasting and the all-holy, good and life-giving Holy Spirit, now and ever and unto ages of ages. Amen.

Image: The Flight into Egypt of the Holy Family (by the icon-painting studio of Monastery Žiča, Serbia)