~A Prayer for Moore, OK~

Author, Edwina Gately, once wrote a book entitled, “There Was No Path, So I Trod One.”  This touched me as I pondered how to pray today after seeing and hearing the reports of the destructive tornado at Moore, OK.  I couldn't find an online prayer that would name what was in my heart, so I wrote one. I share it with you and encourage you to write your own as well.

God of Creation, here we are again as a nation devastated by the winds of storms. The east coast is still recovering from Hurricane Sandy. I'm sure you remember. Now I place Moore, OK.,before you - Even though sirens and warnings echoed through this city and its surrounding areas, the tornado stepped down all too suddenly from the clouds, and caused a deep gouge in the earth and in the lives of the people of Moore, OK.  So how do we pray at a time like this?

 I recall how Jesus spoke to the winds and the sea while he was with his friends in the boat during the storm on Lake Galilee – yet, there are no “magic words” that can take away the pain, anxiety, fear, trauma, and damage done in the wake of this tornadic episode. It is through the hands, hearts, voices, and skills of responders that your presence is felt.

We now hand you the lives of those lost as victims; we send blessings and strength to families, friends, and citizens of this city; we send the support of courage and compassion to those who are responders, health care workers, rescue workers, and all who assist in any way to rebuild homes and hearts of these people.  God, it is written, that in the beginning you created out of chaos, bring your Spirit of comfort to all who walk these paths, streets, and neighborhoods of destruction and chaos. Place your words of “Peace, be still” in their hearts as they work, walk, and wander among the wreckage of this terrifying storm. We trust in your loving care with all who now are moved in any way to respond to this disaster.  We place all these needs and concerns in your loving embrace. Amen.