A Prayer of the People
I’m letting politics go for a moment. As New Orleans and the Gulf Coast hold their breath, waiting for the assault of Hurricane Katrina, I am aware only of how powerless humanity is in the face of Nature’s Wrath unleashed. Whatever else I wanted to say tonight, it can wait.
There will be great devastation, heartache, and loss. Most people are leaving, but the poor, the elderly and those without transportation are huddled in public shelters hoping that the roof holds.
I am safe in Upstate South Carolina and I pray that wherever you are, you are safe too. But tonight, there are millions who are not safe. Join me in praying for those who are not safe tonight.
In peace, we pray to you, Lord God.
For all people in their daily life and work;
For our families, friends, and neighbors, and for those who are alone.
For this community, the nation, and the world;
For all who work for justice, freedom, and peace.
For the just and proper use of your creation;
For the victims of hunger, fear, injustice, and oppression.
For all who are in danger, sorrow, or any kind of trouble;
For those who minister to the sick, the friendless, and the needy.
Lord, let your loving-kindness be upon them;
Who put their trust in you.
(from the Book of Common Prayer)
I’m letting politics go for a moment. As New Orleans and the Gulf Coast hold their breath, waiting for the assault of Hurricane Katrina, I am aware only of how powerless humanity is in the face of Nature’s Wrath unleashed. Whatever else I wanted to say tonight, it can wait.
There will be great devastation, heartache, and loss. Most people are leaving, but the poor, the elderly and those without transportation are huddled in public shelters hoping that the roof holds.
I am safe in Upstate South Carolina and I pray that wherever you are, you are safe too. But tonight, there are millions who are not safe. Join me in praying for those who are not safe tonight.
In peace, we pray to you, Lord God.
For all people in their daily life and work;
For our families, friends, and neighbors, and for those who are alone.
For this community, the nation, and the world;
For all who work for justice, freedom, and peace.
For the just and proper use of your creation;
For the victims of hunger, fear, injustice, and oppression.
For all who are in danger, sorrow, or any kind of trouble;
For those who minister to the sick, the friendless, and the needy.
Lord, let your loving-kindness be upon them;
Who put their trust in you.
(from the Book of Common Prayer)
3 comments:
Mike and I have been listening to coverage since we (well, since HE) woke today. The most heartbreaking thought (and there are many) is the thousands of people seeking shelter in the dome. I'm very glad Katrina missed us, but it seems we might have weathered it better than the bowl will.
Just visiting your site via Funky Bug.
You've picked a good prayer to present; BCP always seems to say it right.
Amen.
Praying especially for those who not only don't have homes to return to, but don't have the means to rebuild -- literally and figuratively.
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