Prayers of the People, OT24B

​Creator of the Universe,
Mother Nature,
Sovereign God,
the storm rails against us,
and your people cry out in fear
and frustration
and grief,
as the wind and the water
that have given us life
threaten to take it away.
Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayers.

Comforter-in-Chief,
Rescuer,
Redeemer,
tragedies break out indiscriminately
in gaseous explosions
injuring,
killing,
destroying,
as the fire that is meant to refine us
swallows up shelter
and safety.
Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayers.

Eternal Hope,
Spirit of Wisdom,
Peacemaker,
violence reigns
in city streets,
and family homes
and between nations who refuse
to heed your call;
in angry,
selfish,
inciting recitations
and behaviors
where people refuse to listen
to those who are pleading
to be heard.
Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayers.

Send aid, we pray!
Save your people
from this time of trial,
from the path of destruction,
from devastation!
Calm the storm.
Protect the innocent.
Speak wisdom to all who will hear it,
and inspire action
in the name of justice
and of love.