by Rev. Diane McGehee
For Sunday, August 27, 2017, many congregations in the Hurricane Harvey impact zone chose not to meet for worship. It was too dangerous for many to attempt to drive in flooding areas. In lieu of coming together in person, some attempted to “meet together” online – most via Facebook. Internet connections were not always strong enough to support this – but the faithful tried to come together in prayer and worship. This was posted on the Facebook page of a congregation in Houston – as a tool to help people pray. It is shared here with permission – and the invitation to edit it in any way that facilitates people being able to pray:
God, our refuge and strength, our very present help in trouble, help us we pray. As the waters continue to rise, protect us from harm. Quiet our fears and remind us that you are with us and will never leave us or forsake us. We ask you to calm the storm – the one raging outside and the one raging within us. Speak peace to the storm.
Beloved One, in your mercy, hear our prayer.
God, our refuge and strength, our very present help in trouble, we pray for all of us who are still in harm’s way as this storm continues to devastate the coast and inland areas of Texas and Louisiana. We ask for your protection and shelter from the storm.
Beloved One, in your mercy, hear our prayer.
God, our refuge and strength, our very present help in trouble, we pray for those who have lost loved ones in this storm. Comfort them in their grief and hold them in your loving care. May there be no more loss of life.
Beloved One, in your mercy, hear our prayer.
God, our refuge and strength, our very present help in trouble, we pray for those who have lost beloved pets. Comfort them in their grief and hold them in your loving care. May there be no more loss of life.
Beloved One, in your mercy, hear our prayer.
God, our refuge and strength, our very present help in trouble, we pray for all of us who have lost or sustained damage to our homes, vehicles, businesses and other property. May you provide for all our needs and may we, your people, rise in your strength to meet one another’s needs.
Beloved One, in your mercy, hear our prayer.
God, our refuge and strength, our very present help in time of trouble, we pray for first responders as they search for those trapped by the storm and seek to rescue and respond to the needs of those devastated by this storm. Protect them; keep them safe; and aid their efforts.
Beloved One, in your mercy, hear our prayer.
God, our refuge and strength, our very present help in trouble, we pray for those overseeing the disaster response, relief, and recovery: our president, governors, mayors, city and other officials, and aid workers. Grant them wisdom and courage. May they be generous, quick, and effective in their response.
Beloved One, in your mercy, hear our prayer.
God our refuge and strength, our very present help in trouble, we pray for communities of faith and others of good heart. May we be generous and tireless in our response until all are restored in their lives.
Beloved One, in your mercy, hear our prayer.
“God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble. Therefore, we will not fear though the earth should change; though the mountains shake in the heart of the sea; though its waters roar and foam.” Psalm 46
from Rev. Diane McGehee, Bering Memorial UMC, Houston TX (August 27, 2017)