On the evening of August 4, local time, a violent explosion occurred in the port area of Beirut, the capital of Lebanon. About 135 people died, 5,000 were injured, and dozens were missing in the explosion.
According to the Lebanese National News Agency, the explosion started at a warehouse near the port of Beirut. After the explosion, smoke billowed and the entire port was leveled to the ground. The city of Beirut appeared as if it had gone through a war, without a single intact building.
According to Lebanese Interior Minister Fahmi, the explosion was probably caused by the chemical ammonium nitrate that was stored in the port warehouse in 2014.
The Beirut explosion drew attention and aid from various countries. Pope Francis also prayed for the casualties and their families at a public reception on Wednesday.
At this difficult time, as Christians, we should also raise our hands and pray for those who are suffering:
Dear Lord Jesus Christ, come down to the land and comfort the wounded people, dry their tears, and wipe away their pain. You know that this accident has brought pain and suffering to countless people. They lost their relatives, family members, friends, and even some people lost their lives in this disaster.
Lord, I know you don't want to see the suffering of your people. Please have mercy on the city of Beirut and the people in that city, so that their pain and grief be lessened and they can welcome a new tomorrow.
We pray to you for the people who are suffering in the disaster. The blood and tears they shed, please clean and wipe them off with your gentle hands. Please touch their hearts and give them the strength and courage to face the pain and suffering that life brings.
I also pray to you for the city of Beirut. This once-beautiful city is now devastated. Please help this city to overcome all difficulties and the people to be rejuvenated and again stand up.
Lord, be with the suffering people and cry with those who are mourning. Please help them with your compassion and love, give comfort and mercy to them, and lead them out of the darkness with your deep anointing and love into the light.
Lord, hear our intercession. Prayer is in the name of the Lord. Amen!
-Translated by Abigail Wu
