Winds of Change . . . Winds of Trauma . . .Winds of Loss . . .

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 tornadoes throughout the Midwest.  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 braces for severe storms and the west coast continues to recover from fires and floods - I'm sure you remember - Now I place all the peoples who have survived these recent tornadoes before you - and those who are now named as victims. Even though sirens and warnings echoed through the cities and small towns -  and the surrounding areas farm areas,  the tornado stepped down all too suddenly from the clouds, and caused a deep gouge in the earth and in the lives of these people. So how do we pray at a time like this? How do they recover? How do they cope, adjust, and manage?

 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 these tornadic episodes. 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 these cities and towns; 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 these terrifying storms. We trust in your loving care with all who now are moved in any way to respond to these disasters.  We place all these needs and concerns in your loving embrace. Amen.