A Prayer in the wake of the May 20 tornado in
Moore-Oklahoma City
O God of love, whose Spirit in creation moved over the face of
chaos, bringing life: hear our prayers, as we bear witness this day to the
awful power of wind, whose might raged over your people in Moore, Oklahoma,
changing lives and landscapes in an instant . Even now, as first
responders still labor to seek those who are lost and succor those who are
bereaved and bereft, even as stories of terror and hurt are still unfolding,
WE TOUCH YOUR HAND OF MERCY
In teachers who sheltered with their bodies the children entrusted
to their care, as you, O God, like a mother hen spread her wings over her
people Israel:
WE SEE YOUR FACE, AND FEEL YOUR TENDER EMBRACE.
In neighbors who rallied to one another’s need, in houses of
worship which opened their doors to give shelter, in volunteers who set their
personal needs aside to assist those in grave danger and those awaiting a hand
of compassion
WE FEEL THE HEART OF YOUR COMPASSION.
In the courageous resolve of first responders, who listen for
cries in the dark, dig through the rubble, tenderly bind up wounds and comfort
the bereaved,
WE EXPERIENCE THE STEADFASTNESS OF YOUR LOVE.
We are grateful for the signs of your presence in responders,
neighbors, strangers and families of faith, who come together as one common
body to save, support, and salve the wounds of those who suffer.
FOR ALL THESE VISIBLE SIGNS OF YOUR INVISIBLE GRACE, WE BLESS YOUR
NAME Our Rock and Redeemer, who from the bonds of death rose to
resurrection life for the sake of Love, be a strong presence among those who,
having survived this chaos, now face grief, uncertainty and weary days:
BE IN US AND THROUGH OUR PRAYERS AND ACTIONS A SOURCE OF HOLY
COMFORT AND A CHANNEL OF HEALING GRACE.
MAY THE PEACE OF GOD MOVE THROUGH US, THE REST OF GOD ABIDE WITH
THOSE WHO HAVE ENDURED TERRORS AND SORROW, AND, IN THE SEASON OF REBUILDING,
MAY THE LIFE OF GOD BRING OUT OF FORMLESS CHAOS, A NEW CREATION. AMEN.
---the Rev. Dr. Laurie A. Kraus, Coordinator, Presbyterian
Disaster Assistance
