Prayer is one of the most under-utilized gifts that God has given the church.  There is power in prayer, therefore we ask that you pray for all those affected by hurricanes Rita and Katrina - congregations, pastors, members, associates in ministry, youth and family ministers - those who have lost much and those who have lost little.  Prayer that they may be strengthened and empowered as they continue the journey of healing and recovery.

Opening Prayer
from
"A Prayer Service of Remembrance, Consolation, and Hope"
by
Pastor John McCullough-Bade

God of compassion and might, we come to you realizing how fragile life is. We have seen the devastation of raging waters and ravaging winds.  We know grief, sorrow, fear and hopelessness.  When all else seems washed away, be our sure foundation which cannot be moved. When we feel lost and alone, guide us and embrace us with your presence.  When we feel dark despair and the future seems uncertain, shine upon us with your light and your love. Be with us in this time to quiet fears, to calm trembling hearts, to comfort grief and to strengthen us.  Hear our prayers and our praises, through Jesus Christ our Lord.  Amen.

Prayer
After a Hurricane

Blessed are you, O God, ruler of the universe.

The earth, the stars, even galaxies yet discovered are the works of your hands. And we, your creatures, stand in awe.

Shelter, protect, comfort all who are in harm’s way (especially ...).

When calamities abound, give us the strength to endure, and hope for restoration, that we may reflect your light for this ailing world.

In Jesus’ name we pray. Amen.

A Prayer
by
Dr. Herbert Brokering, Wheat Ridge Ministries

"Lord, Be With"

Lord, Be with …  

• those who go out after a storm, picking up the pieces;

• those who after the fight look for loved ones among the wounded;

• those who after the high wind look for personal belongings strewn shamefully among the public;

• those whose trees are uprooted, whose water is polluted, whose fences are broken, and whose hopes are shattered.
   

Lord, be with the broken-hearted ...

• whose refrigerators are robbed by wind and rain,

• whose beds are soaked by storm, whose picture windows are crushed by hail,

• whose rugs are covered by mud, and

• whose privacy is invaded by searchlights.

Lord, be with ...

• the flooded,

• the rained out,

• the uprooted

• those who are refugees of fierce weather.

Give to them, in these frightened times, such people who can help them pick up pieces and put life back together.

Jesus Christ, show us how to begin again; let all ravaged life be made new.  Amen.

Intercessory Prayers after Hurricanes Rita and Katrina

O God, we are anxious, and our hearts are filled with many questions and needs for ourselves, friends, loved ones, and strangers. Pour out your Holy Spirit upon your people, especially the victims of Hurricanes Katrina and Rita. Where there is doubt, restore their faith. To those who have lost hope, let them see your hand at work in their lives.

  God of steadfast love,
  Hear our prayer.

Guide the leaders of this nation and grant them your wisdom, that they will provide for all its people, and truly leave no one behind.

God of steadfast love,
Hear our prayer.

We give thanks for and ask your continued blessing upon the relief efforts of your servants throughout the holy catholic church. O Lord, they work in unsafe and unsanitary conditions to alleviate the suffering of others. Move in us so that we may share our abundance with those who have lost so much.

God of steadfast love,
Hear our prayer.