A Prayer in the Midst of Disaster

My pastor’s blog this week is simply the entirety of Larry Stookey’s prayer “in times of great distress due to natural disaster or humanly devised evil” from his book, “This Day.”

                God, our help and hope in every time of life:

                                we bow before you in distress and confusion.

                Devastation and death seem to rule your world today.

                We know not where to turn, nor even how to pray.

                Assure us that you know our thoughts before we think them;

                                that you accept

                                                petitions that have no words,

                                                prayers that are inarticulate anguish,

                                                even anger in the face of events we do not understand.

                Remind us of your presence with Jesus

                                in his hours of agony,

                                in the face of abandonment by many whom he trusted,

                                in the pain of crucifixion,

                                and even in death itself.

                Enable us to know that you do not desert us

                                but in times of need stand even closer than before.

                Comfort those who mourn.

                Give hope to those who seem to have lost all hope.

                With your healing power, touch any who are injured;

                                to all medical and rescue workers

                                give patient endurance, wisdom, and skill.

                As you give us opportunity to serve those in need,

                                grant also generous spirits

                                and the wise and efficient use of our abilities

                                                in offering aid.

                If today our words of praise are mute,

                if today we find it easier to curse than to bless,

                                point us to the empty tomb,

                                                which lies beyond the cross.

                Remind us that it may be Friday now,

                                but in your Providence Sunday’s coming,

                                                and your love will see us through

                                                                every darkness,

                                                                every doubt,

                                                                every desolation.

                For you, O God, are our hope and strength,

                                an ever present help in times of trouble;

                to you we pray through Jesus Christ

                                who triumphs over all things. Amen.

                                                                                                (Laurence Hull Stookey, This Day, pp 136-7)