A Liturgy from Praying the News
In the Wake of a Hurricane
“A great windstorm arose, and the waves were breaking into the boat, so that the boat was already filling. But he was in the stern, asleep on the cushion. And they woke him and said to him, ‘Teacher, do you not care that we are perishing?’ And he awoke and rebuked the wind and said to the sea, ‘Peace! Be still!’ And the wind ceased, and there was a great calm. He said to them, ‘Why are you so afraid? Have you still no faith?’ And they were filled with great fear and said to one another, ‘Who then is this, that even the wind and the sea obey him?’”
Mark 4:37–41 (ESV)
God who filled the oceans,why would you tolerate their roaring?God who gathered the mountains into heaps,why would you bring them down?God who blows the clouds into place and brings the rains,why would you let them betray us?
But we can only turn to you.You have buffeted, and only you can restore.Your people are drowningunder this world’s relentless ruin,and only you can make us new again.
Father, King of Creation,call your rebellious elements back to order.Jesus, Stiller of Raging Storms,bring peace and free us from fear.Spirit, Giver of Life,fill us again.
For those who are lost, search relentlesslyand bring them home.For those who will rescue, grant courage and strength.For those who have lost everything, richly provide.To those who grieve, be near with comfort.To those who will rebuild,give fortitude, endurance, and hope.For your people, a light in darkness,open doors for bold loveand shine your light over the wreckage.
We long for the day when seas rest like glassbefore your throne,O Lord of Resurrection and Life.
Amen
Praying the News
Liturgies for reading the headlines.
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