Pressing Forward
Father,
We lift up the ongoing physical, emotional, and spiritual needs of the people of Maui. We pray especially for:
All who continue to experience the results of trauma, including sleeplessness, anxiety, etc.
Those whose living situations are still uncertain.
For the victims will never stop grieving the losses they have sustained.
For emotional, mental, and spiritual healing.
For the legalities and insurance dealings.
For healing.
For the Lord to bring the hurting to saving faith in Jesus!
The needs are many, but you know them all. You know each person by name. We entrust them to you and know you are always near the brokenhearted. Extend your love and compassion through us. Guide us with your perfect wisdom to love and serve our community well.
O God who gathers what has been scattered, Shelter us now in the shadow of your wings.
O Christ who binds our wounds, Be our great healer.
Be present in the midst of this far-reaching pain, O Lord, for we are reeling again, at news of another loss of life that touches us all; news of flourishing diminished; of individuals harmed; of pain imposed, not only upon victims and their families who bear now the immediate brunt of it - but also upon our nation. For we are connected as a people, and this hurt, this grief, touches us all.
Engage our imaginations and move our hearts to compassion, O Lord, that we would interact with these casualties, not as news stories or statistics, but as our own sisters and brothers, flesh and blood, divine image-bearers, irreplaceable individuals whose losses will leave gaping holes in homes, friendships, workplaces, churches, schools, organizations, and neighborhoods.
Be merciful to those now wounded. Be present with those now bereaved.
You do not run from our brokenness, O God, You move ever toward those in need. Your hear is always inclined toward those who suffer.
Now let your mercies be active through the hands, the words, and the compassionate care of those who willingly enter this sadness to console and to serve.
Be with all who move toward this need: the helpers, the counselors, the first responders, those who offer aid and protection, the pastors and intercessors, those who meet immediate practical needs, those who seek to heal physical wounds, and thos who come after to carry on the long, hard work of rebuilding families and hearts and lives and community.
Grant each of them wisdom, courage, vision, sympathy, and strength to serve effectively in their various capacities.
Even in the shadow of such tragedy, let us not lose hope. Give us eyes to see the rapid movement of mercy and compassion - a foretaste of your kingdom coming to earth. And move our own hearts also, equipping us to intercede, to act, and to respond however we are able.
Move, O Holy Spirit, in the midst and in the aftermath of this tragedy, in the wake of our wounding, in the shock and sorrow.
You alone have the strength to carry this people. Carry us now, O Lord.
You alone have wisdom and power to heal the wounds of a nation. Heal us, O Lord.
You alone have compassion enough to enter our widespread grief, and turn it to hope. Be merciful, O Christ!
Amen.
Every Moment Holy, Volume II