Deacon Dan Freeman of the Diocese of Davenport, Iowa wrote this prayer in response to the devastating storm that affected so much of Iowa last week. The storm destroyed millions of acres of crops, homes, businesses and more, leaving thousands of residents without power for several days. The effects of this storm will be felt throughout Iowa for many years.
“O Lord, our Almighty Father. Maker of heaven and earth; sun, moon, and stars; wind, water, and life. We cry out to you, O Lord, to rescue us from this destruction that has blown upon us. Our crops are shredded, our buildings damaged, and our lives are uprooted. We know not where to turn for help, as all seems lost and long suffering we await your help.
Send us your Holy Spirit, Lord, to remind us that you are still with us. You stood beside us and held us as we witnessed the terrible devastation of derecho to our worldly lives. Now help us realize that you are in the tiny whispering sound that fills our heart with hope and strength to bear all things that you might be glorified.
Open our eyes to see the loving embrace that neighbor shares with neighbor to lessen the desolation. Let our ears hear of the gentle and kind deeds done in your name, Lord. Let our hands offer aid and comfort as we lift each other up to you O Lord. Let our lips give you praise for our lives and opportunity to serve our neighbor through your grace. Let our hearts overflow with thanksgiving for the outpouring generosity of the women and men who have come to our aid.
And Lord, help us to understand that it’s not the challenges we face that are important. It’s how we respond to those challenges. You asked us to follow you Lord. Help us to follow you in meeting every challenge we face, with faith in your love, mercy, and salvation.
We ask this through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son, who lives and reigns with you, in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.”
— Dan Freeman is a Deacon in the Diocese of Davenport, Iowa. He also currently serves as the co-chair of the local CRL Chapter in Davenport.
