Let Your Hope Arise

If you are reading this, you may have read or heard about the devastating flooding in West Virginia. The area of the state where I live was not effected, but over 44 counties (out of 55) were. Following is the prayer I offered as the Morning Prayer in worship at my church last Sunday:

Creating and sustaining God:
In the beginning, you separated the land from the water, and created for us a place to live – places to call home. This week, we have witnessed the devastation that water can cause – homes lost, work places lost, lives lost. We have witnessed the pain and suffering that flooding has caused. We ask that you would bring your healing and peace to this devastation. Let your hope arise.

In your mercy, surround those who are in mourning, who are homeless, who have lost their jobs or all that they own, and grant them healing and peace. Transform us, and people like us, to be your hands and feet in this disaster. Help us to provide housing and clothing, comfort and solutions to those who are in need. Let your hope arise through us.

In the days to come, let there be new and fresh beginnings. As families begin to clean up the mud and water that is left behind, let hand reach for hand, and your grace be seen. Empower us to be the help that is needed. Strengthen those who are hopeless this morning, and strengthen us to provide a way to new life in the recovery. Let your hope arise as fresh as the new morning.

In this church, as we begin a new partnership with a new pastor, create in us new beginnings. Oh, Lord, help us to be the church you have created us to be. We ask for new ideas, new energy, new ways to do your will. There are those among us who are ill – even to the point of death – we ask for your healing touch on them and on those who care for them. We ask that your spirit would be seen in this place – that ask that your hope would arise in this place.

We come to you as a people of faith, believing in your mercy, power and love. Let your hope arise.

We pray this in the boldness of your son’s name, who taught us to pray using these words:

Our father, who art in heaven, hallowed be they name. Thy kingdom come, thy will be done, on earth as it is in heaven. Give us this day, our daily bread and forgive us our trespasses and we forgive those who trespass against us. Lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil. For thine is the kingdom, and the power, and the glory, forever. Amen.