Recent news report that more than 16,000 migrants have streamed into Austria since the weekend and more than 17,500 people were received in Munich, Germany, alone. According to the United Nations Refugee Agency estimates, more than 366,000 refugees and migrants have crossed the Mediterranean Sea to Europe this year and at least 2,800 have died or disappeared during the journey.

The Rev. Jack Amick, head of International Disaster Response for UMCOR, the United Methodist Committee on Relief, offers a prayer of action and solidarity for those fleeing conflict and migrating to Europe and other parts of the world.

Prayer for a New Vision
God of Shalom,
Grant us hearts that cry like yours
At the sight of dead boys on beaches,
Packed train cars,
And long lines of families on the move.

We confess that we have seen these images for centuries.
Grant us, this time, the wisdom to act in a way that turns history upside down.
And brings your shalom on earth as it is in heaven.
Grant us arms that welcome the stranger;
Grant us hands that feed the hungry;
Grant us feet that walk with those whose feet search
For a new home, a new job, a new life.

Help us understand how bad things must have been,
And how much vision these survivors must have had
To make this terrible trek.

Grant us the vision to see what they see:
Your shalom where there is no more violence,
Where life is full and abundant for all,
Where no one is hungry,
And everyone is welcome at the feast.

Amen.

UMCOR is responding to the many migrants arriving on the shores of Europe from wartorn regions such as Syria. To support UMCOR in this cause, please donate to UMCOR International Disaster Response, Advance #982450.