I wrote this prayer a number of years ago, but in light of the recent storms, it seems appropriate to reprint it here:
Lord,
Our world has been upended.
The forces of nature appear to be conspiring against us.
The homes and possessions of families, friends and strangers – things for which they’ve worked all their lives, for which we’ve worked all our lives – have been destroyed.
Our sense of Hope has either burned up in flames, been washed away in a flood, crumbled with the earth, or been blown away by a fierce wind.
We are surrounded by suffering, devastation, and death. Your presence is virtually undetectable.
But then I remember that Your beloved Son suffered too, that He spoke the words, “My God, my God, why have You forsaken me” while hanging on the cross.
Yet the truth is that You never did forsake Him.
Instead, You walked with Him through His pain; Quiet, yes, but ever-present.
In turn, we have a Savior who can identify with our own sufferings, who doesn’t look down on our pain from some high perch, but rather stands next to us helping us endure the unimaginable.
He makes His presence felt through comforting acts of kindness and through the consoling prayers of a nation.
As we grasp onto the tiniest spark of hope for the future, we remember the words of sacred Scripture:
“If God is for us, who can be against us?”
Also, “Everything works together for good for those who love the Lord.”
No doubt, the road ahead will not be easy.
Open our minds and hearts to Your wisdom, courage and guidance on the journey; Bring us comfort when our hearts are breaking;
Carry us when we are weary; Give us strength as we rebuild our lives.
Help us to always remember Your assurance, “I am with you always until the end of the age.”
Amen.
And today we celebrate...