An Inconvenient Truth Re-visited!

Image from Super Typhoon Haiyan

This week the 2013 United Nations Climate Change Conference will be held in Warsaw, Poland from 11 to 22 November.  In light of the recent super typhoons and tropical cyclones it is time to consider once again the “inconvenient truth” of global warming.

I am posting the prayer below by Wende Wheeler which was quoted by Frederic and Mary Ann Brussat on their website at the time of the tornado in Joplin, Missouri.  The Joplin EF5 tornado killed 161 people and destroyed about 7,500 homes and 550 businesses in a town of 50,000.

And so we pray:
Almighty and merciful God, your people are suffering in the wake of this natural disaster. As we struggle to imagine its scope and comprehend the pain and loss, so that we may be your agents in relief, we lift our voices to you in prayer:

For all those who have lost their lives, that you have received them into your arms of mercy and love;
For all those who grieve, having lost children, parents, family, friends, neighbors, and community, and for all those who are still searching, that they may sense the solace of your presence;

For all those who are sick, injured or suffering, and for those have lost their homes and belongings, that they may find healing and the strength to continue, and the resources to rebuild their lives;
For all those who go to provide food, shelter, sanitation, medical care, and other aid, serving as your hands to comfort, heal and help, that they may be strengthened to do difficult work in devastating conditions;

For all those around the globe who look on in shock and anguish, that you may fill our hearts with compassion for those in need, showing us how you wish us to pray and reach out in the face of such suffering, and not turn from its enormity;

For all of your people, that such events on this earth should not shake our faith. Help us to recognize that our suffering is your suffering, and that your love can be found even in the darkest places. Allow us to see how all of humanity is bound inextricably together, even as we seek your truth in different languages, faiths, cultures, and traditions. Help us to accept the healing and strength you offer, and to remember that ultimately the pain and cares of this world will yield to the peace of everlasting life in you.

All of these prayers we make to you in the name of your Son, Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

By Wende Wheeler in Lifting Women's Voices: Prayers to Change the World edited by Margaret Rose, Jenny Te Paa, Jeanne Person and Abagail Nelson

Images from Super Typhoon Haiyan