via Associated Press. Photo by Mike Fuertes
The first piece of news that caught my attention this morning was about the devastating tornados that sped through West Texas last night killing at least 12 people. My heart aches for people whose lives and livelihoods have been destroyed in a few terrifying minutes.
Then I received a message from my friend Cherie Minton who together with her husband Jack heads up Hope Force International. Her request: “Pray for the first responders.” Coincidently my gospel reading for the morning was the story of the Good Samaritan. First responders – good samaritans, strangers become neighbours, those who respond to the divine spark of love within to show mercy, compassion and love to complete strangers often putting their own lives at risk in the process.
This was the background out of which I wrote my prayer this morning.
Lord of mercy,
Be with those who suffer.
Into their broken lives,
Bring hope and peace.
Into their devastated communities,
Bring restoration.
Lord of mercy,
Be with those who respond.
In their bravery,
Keep them safe.
In their compassion,
Show your love.
In their faces,
May we see Jesus.