After filling sandbags and helping evacuate people for the last few days, I have found myself reflecting. It is a strange waiting game, to see what is going happen. So I wrote (actually adapted) a prayer for the moments before a flood that may or may not be catastrophic:
Lord, at times such as this,
we realize that the ground beneath our feet
is not as solid as we had imagined
and the waters that surround us
are not tame and docile as we had believed —
we plead for your mercy.
As we wait with anticipation,
without the ability to stop what is coming
we know too well how small we truly are
on this ever-changing, ever-moving
fragile planet we call home.
Yet you have promised never to forget us —
do not forget us now.
Today, so many people are afraid,
they worry how high the water will rise
and wonder if the preparations they have made will be enough.
We ask for your peace —
which we are told passes all human understanding.
Comfort us, Lord, in this disaster,
be our rock as the water swirls around us
and shelter us under your wings
as many find themselves in places that are not their homes.
Console those who are at a loss,
may we learn to rest in you
to be dependent on your provision
in ways that we are not when life is manageable.
Pierce, too, our hearts with compassion,
help us to act swiftly
to give generously
to work towards restoration
and to pray unceasingly for those without hope.
And once the water has dissipated,
and the images of destruction have stopped filling the news
and our thoughts return to life’s daily rumblings
let us not forget that we are all your children
we are all the work of your hands.
When we cry to you in times of trouble,
you deliver us from our distress
you have made the storm be still
and hushed the waves of the sea
your people are glad when the waters are quieted
because we know where our salvation comes from.
Our help is in the name of the Lord,
who made heaven and earth.
Blessed be the name of the Lord,
now and forever.