You may or may not know, that I lived in Louisville for 14 years, Tricia for 7 years. When I said I lived in Louisville, people in other places would respond, “There’s a horse race, right?” or maybe “Kentucky Derby!”. Some thought of bourbon. But the largest employer in Louisville is the UPS Worldport with about 25,000 people directly employed and many others employed in other places because of its presence.
As my friend the Rev. Gradye Parsons, former Stated Clerk of the General Assembly of the PC(USA), says, “this is a city family tragedy.”
Please continue to pray for Louisville and its people.
Gracious God,
we pray for your beloved children
killed or injured in the plane crash in Louisville.
We pray for those who work
at UPS, at the Muhammed Ali airport,
at the businesses where the crash occurred
and the fire raged.
We pray for the people of
the city and the metro area
impacted by the crash –
because they heard or felt the explosion,
because they saw, live or in images,
the fireball and the smoke cloud;
because they had to shelter in place;
because they worried about
family and friends who were near the crash;
because they are community and
what affects one of your beloved children
affects all of your beloved children.
Bring peace and comfort to grieving families and friends.
Grant strength to first responders
who experienced up close the crash’s horror.
Guide those who continue to work at the crash site.
Work healing in the injured In body, mind, or spirit.
Lead medical personnel who provided, and continue to provide,
to join in your healing care.
May your Holy Spirit surround the greater Louisville community
with Your light and love in this moment of sorrow.
We pray in Jesus’ name.
Amen.
inspired by a prayer from Presbyterian Disaster Assistance
Along the Graybeard Trail 