Praying for Those Affected by Hurricane Dorian

While our eyes are trained on the news reports that give us updates about the devastating effects of Hurricane Dorian that has battered and destroyed much of the northern Bahamas, we pray to the Lord:  

Pray for those in need of rescue that it will come swiftly.

There are many who are in need of miracles.  That teams would arrive an hour sooner, that dogs would catch a faint scent amidst the stench of death, that the right piece of debris would be moved.  For all the training and effort that the courageous rescue teams put in, at this point they need miracles more than anything else. And for those seeking to expedite relief and humanitarian aid to the unimaginably traumatized areas--- may they be safe and effective in getting supplies to survivors despite the destroyed infrastructure.  

 Pray for the rescuers – safety, rest, encouragement, in the midst of horror and unrelenting pain.

The job that the rescue teams face is completely overwhelming and they will fail many more times than they will succeed.  Rescue teams suffer great personal trauma and often become suicidal months after an event.  Pray for these courageous men and women now and after they return from the ravaged areas with countless grieving survivors.

Pray for families that have witnessed the unthinkable, are worried about loved ones, and fearful for their own safety.

The aftermath of this catastrophic hurricane will be months and years of emotional trauma, staggering challenges for rebuilding, and recovery of a deep sense of hope for people whose lives have been upended and amputated from what they were last week. 

Lord have mercy!

Grace and peace,

Anita Sorenson

Pastor for Spiritual Formation