Along the Graybeard Trail

Faced with the fury of

storm and tornado,

our words seem inadequate –

like ash in our throats

as our hearts ache,

Stil, we pray, O God,

Again, we pray, O God.

Acknowledging

the poverty of our words

the depth of our dread,

the strength of our concern

and the power of your love binding us together,

we pray

for people and places who have

endured storms and tornado.

Particularly we pray for

Kentucky and its people and

Missouri and its people,

the places where death and devastation

are reportedly the highest.

We pray as well,

for places and people

affected by this storm system

whose stories did not make the news cylee,

yet who stand in need.

Make your presence and care

known all buffeted by storms and blasted by tornadoes

Comfort all who grieve

the death of family, loved ones, or friends.

Comfort all who mourn

the death of dreams,

the loss of pets,

the destruction of property.

Work healing

in all who are injured in any way.

Ease anxieties.

Calm fears.

Provide strength to cope

and courage to hope.

Protect and guide first responders

and medical personnel.

Support efforts to recover and rebuild.

Inspire responses to provide appropriate aid.

We pray in Jesus’ name.

Amen.

This one came out in response to the recent storms and tornadoes. In many situations and circumstances, our prayers seem inadequate. Yet still we pray …