Prayers for People Facing Floods
Over the weekend of June 7-8, and continuing through the following week, people, towns and cities in Indiana, Wisconsin, Iowa, Illinois and others along the river systems of the American Midwest began to find themselves inundated by floodwaters. Homes have been destroyed. At least one hospital (in Columbus, Indiana) has been closed indefinitely. Farmers with flooded lands are wondering if they will have any harvest this season at all.
And the waters are still rising in some areas.
The United Methodist Committee on Relief is working with disaster coordinators across the region to assess the situation and begin delivering help. So are relief agencies from many other churches, as well as American Red Cross. FEMA is on the scene as well, or will soon be in areas where the damage is yet to come. Physical help is coming or on the way.
We invite you here to offer help of a different kind: prayer. Share your personal prayers, or the ways your congregation will be praying for all of these people and places, victims, helpers, and those who will lead rebuilding of homes, towns, and infrastructure hereafter. Help all of those affected by this flooding to know that they are “surrounded by a community of love… that they may grow in they trust of God, and be found faithful in their service to others” (Baptismal Covenant, The United Methodist Hymnal, p. 35).
June 16th, 2008 at 2:01 pm
As our waters receed here in Hamburg, IA, our prayers are for thanksgiving that the fears of our community were not realized. While our farmers and ag workers remain suffering, homes were saved, lives were not lost in our community, and our roads that connect us to the rest of the world are almost all reopened. Understanding the devastation of flooding, tornados, and these aweful storms we have been experiencing with you, our community continues to be in prayer for our brothers and sisters in our area who have not been able to breathe the same sigh of relief we have: to our friends in Little Sioux, in Parkersburg (Hang in there, Betsy!), to those in the east, to those who feel more loss than relief, we are in deep and constant prayer that you may find healing and peace from our Lord who weeps with you. Blessings!
June 20th, 2008 at 9:21 am
As many families, friends, brothers & sisters in Christ face the rising waters and the destruction the waters bring, we pray Father for your surrounding love and comfort for them. Father you are our refuge and strength, always ready to help in times of trouble. As we cry out, You will lift us out of despair, and out of the mud and mire. You, Father, will set our feet on solid ground and steady us as we walk along. (Ps 46:1 & 40:2) We are with our brothers and sisters in their loss and pray that you may feel our Lord’s constant presence, healing and peace.
Peace & Blessings!
June 20th, 2008 at 9:24 am
My wife and I and our congregation at First United Methodist Church in Coral Springs Florida will be remebering all of the flooded areas in the midwest in our prayers. The midwest churches were all so responsive during our disasters with hurricanes and as sister congregations we share the pain and the hurt when disaster strikes. We are thankful for lives spared, but we hurt deeply for the farm areas and the loss of homes and the devastion. We pray,especially for the many volunteers to keep and sustain them during the long working hours. Our prayer also is that God will give each and everyone continued strength and the staying power to rebuild with renewed hope for a new tomorrow. In Jesus precious name we pray. Amen
June 20th, 2008 at 10:35 am
Lord Jesus,
Thank you for this life you have given us and your Spirit to guide us. Please be with those who have lost so much and help them to look to You and Your Kingdom. Jesus please comfort the lost and draw them to You. Lord please protect those who are still fighting the water and helping others who have lost so much. I pray the waters would stop rising in Jesus name, your will be done Father. God thank you for Your great love. amen
June 21st, 2008 at 11:25 am
Good and Gracious Lord, I come to you in supplication for our sisters and brothers, for children, for the animals and crops of the farms. I come to you for the churches, businesses and schools ravaged by the waters and floods. I pray for those who are helping and working so hard to help others. I pray that in the midst of this devestation and heartbreak you will wrap your comforting arms around each person and not only bring comfort, but hope. Not only a sense of your presence, but also a sense of peace and promise as each person remembers that you have told us not to fear, but to trust and to have faith. Dear God, let the waters retreat and let the spirits of those affected raise and praise You and your promise to be faithful. Amen
June 24th, 2008 at 7:28 am
Almighty God, thank you for the blessings you bring and the strength you give. Lord, I pray that this strength is with those who have and are facing storms and high water in their lives. Lord, I ptay for your protection for all those involved. Lord, I especially pray that your church may be your hands and feet during this time of disaster. Lord, may your hand of healing be upon those who have been injured, physically, emotionally, financially and especially those injured spiritually. Lord, let all feel the comfort of your love and know your peace as they face each new trial. Lord, help us to trust in you and look to you with hope and thanksgiving. In the name of Jesus, Amen.