Tears fall on cracked earth,
as plants wither,
cattle weaken,
and with loving arms,
mothers cling to their children.
Move us, Holy Spirit,
to be with our sisters and brothers
in their hour of need.
Work through us, we pray,
so that living streams of love and mercy flow,
bringing compassion, healing and hope.
We ask this prayer through Christ our Lord,
Amen.
Rachel McCarthy/CAFOD