A Prayer for Western NC

 

Oh God,

Western North Carolina is broken.

The layers of trauma and hurt are as complex and deep

As the mud and waters that lay stagnant

In homes and communities shattered

By the power of Nature’s force.

 

For all who have lost physical possessions and are trying to put the pieces back together,

Lord, have mercy.

 

For all who have lost loved ones to certain death,

Lord, have mercy.

 

For all living in the uncertainty of a loved one’s whereabouts,

Lord, have mercy.

 

For all who are stranded with no power, food, or water,

Lord, have mercy.

 

For linemen, rescue workers, and all who are on the ground to provide disaster relief,

Lord, have mercy.

 

For all who will try to take advantage of those whose lives have already been devastated,

Lord, have mercy.

 

For all who feel helpless but can only offer prayers and financial support,

Lord, have mercy.

 

The aftermath of Helene is going to linger long and hard.

Help us as we recover and rebuild.

Help us to be community in action and

To be the answer to our own prayers.

Help us to go and do,

To be hands and feet and ears and hearts.

Always.

 

Amen.

Have Mercy

 

Dear God:

 

For all those grieving today,

Have mercy.

 

For all those remembering loved ones lost to war,

Have mercy.

 

For all those fighting daily battles,

Have mercy.

 

For all those living with PTSD,

Have mercy.

 

For all who have experienced trauma,

For all who feel lost,

For all who listen,

For all who say their names,

Have mercy.

 

For those willing to sacrifice their lives,

For those who conscientiously object,

For those whose identity has been altered,

For those whose lives have been uprooted by death,

Have mercy.

 

Battles rage.

Wars march on.

Humanity fights.

Weapons destroy.

 

But in the midst of it all,

You are there,

In love and sacrifice and

Community and creation.

 

Help us remember, God,

Through tears and stories and uncomfortable conversations.

Help us remember,

And have mercy we pray.

 

Amen.