On Friday 30th September 2020, we were all very shocked as the news of a 7.0 magnitude earthquake with devastating effects on both Turkey and Samos reached the headlines.
With Richmond’s Zefiros Beach Hotel positioned on the south coast of Samos, many of us (guests and staff alike) were concerned over the welfare of the people we have come to know and love over so many years. We are grateful to God that the Zefiros Beach Hotel and all the people we have come to know personally have been kept safe in this tragedy.
Yet, there is much still to pray for. Will you join us? We would love to share this prayer with you now, as we lift up this situation and the many people affected to our all-loving, all-powerful Father God. The words in italics below are from Psalm 30 and we invite you to reflect on them as we pray together.
“I will exalt you, O Lord, for you lifted me out of the depths and did not let my enemies gloat over me.” – v1
Lord God, we thank you and exalt you because we know that, no matter what, you are powerful and good. Thank you that you are a God who is bigger than anything we face, and a God who lifts people out of the depths. We pray Lord, that you will lift up those in Samos and Turkey who are suffering in any way as a result of this disaster.
“O Lord my God, I called to you for help and you healed me. O Lord, you brought me up from the grave; you spared me from going down into the pit.” – v2 and 3
Heavenly Father, we remember those who have been physically hurt in the earthquake. Thank you that you are a Healer God. Please bring healing to all those who are injured and in pain, in your name and for your glory. We pray too for those who are experiencing the pain of lost homes and businesses or the pain of fear and anxiety. Please bring healing to their hearts Father. Thank you that you know each person by name and care for them in their time of need.
“Sing to the Lord, you saints of his; praise his holy name. For his anger lasts only a moment, but his favour lasts a lifetime; weeping may remain for a night, but rejoicing comes in the morning.” -v4 and 5
Lord God, in situations like these it is hard to imagine a time when the weeping will end. Yet, you, in your love, give us the promise of Heaven, where there will be no more weeping or mourning. In the midst of their devastation, please remind your people in Samos and Turkey of the hope that they have in you. Please comfort them with the sure hope of an eternity with you, free from earthly suffering. In their sadness and grief, please put songs of praise in their hearts because of your promises.
“O Lord my God, I will give you thanks forever.” -v12
Our Father in Heaven, we give you thanks forever for hearing our prayers. We pray all these things in Jesus’ name,
Amen
This Post Has 12 Comments
Thanks so much for the news that the Zephiros hotel and staff are safe. We will certainly pray for the whole island.
Margaret and Mike Gill xxx
In Jesus’ name, Amen. 🌼
Thank you for this prayer for the people of Samos following the earthquake last week. Of course they have been on my mind so knowing the specifics beyond the headlines is very helpful. Thank you for using Psalm 30 to guide our prayers.
Thank you for being Richmond; such a memorable holiday last year with my husband living with dementia and wonderful skiing in the previous years. Bless you all….I look forward to holidaying with you again…
Thank you for the news and prayers for Samos. I was shocked to hear about the earthquake on Friday and have been wondering how they got on at the hotel. Although I only visited once, Samos is a very special place, Marion Cook
Bless you guys for organizing this, I have many fond memories of working with Richmond teams over the years and both Brenda and I will be praying for you all in these coming days.
God bless you all,
Brian and Brenda Jones
‘When the enemy comes in like a flood, the Lord will lift up a standard against him’. (Isaiah 59:19)
Thinking of and praying for all those affected.
God bless
Mel x
We are praying for everyone affected by this earthquake, especially the families of the two teenagers killed and for all at Zefiros Beach Hotel and the Richmond teams. We live in difficult times but thank God we have the Lord with us always Kerry, Ben and Sam
Thanks for passing on this news for prayer – I will pray for everyone at Zefiros Beach, a place I have come to love from my 3 holidays there (two with my late wife, Tina) and in 2017 a trip in her memory – a wonderful time of enjoying the kindness of all the staff and team there!
Thank you for the reply to my e-mail & The Prayers.
My heart aches for beautiful Samos and it’s people. Lord God we pray for their protection and safety . Heal their broken hearts and restore the beautiful island and its people .
Thank you Samos and it’s people for blessing Richmond Holidays and guests .
Thank you Lord for all your goodness. I pray for the people of Samos and Turkey at this time. May you bring healing and restoration to all the people who have been so badly affected by the earthquake.
Peace be upon you all.
Thank you for the information sad and awful though it is: it brought tears. My prayers and love go to you all at Richmond, and to all those at Samos and Turkey. Thank you for continuing to send information. May God Bless All.