Elohim, I AM, Jehovah, your names are numerous, our understanding of you, limited. When the horror of humanity confounds us, we place our hope in the mystery of your mercy.
We cling to noble acts witnessed in the context of war; healing acts worked in the context of brokenness; justice that breaks through in an unjust world. We trust in your abiding love for your people and your power to restore those who are being destroyed.
For those in Florida, USA, whose homes, lives, and livelihoods have been destroyed by Hurricane Ian. And in thanksgiving for the generosity and commitment of those caring for these newly homeless: feeding, filing insurance claims, and continuing to seek the lost among the rubble.
For those in Somalia, East Africa, plagued by a drought that now borders on famine. And in thanksgiving for Save the Children, the U.N. Somalia Humanitarian Fund, and all organizations and individuals providing food, water, and medical provisions to the millions of people, many of whom are women and children, who are suffering, despondent, and afraid. Turn the hearts of Al-Shabab, the Islamic insurgent group which is adding the violence of Civil War to Somalians already suffering. Impede their actions, terminate their efforts, disband their units.
For caregivers of all kinds who care for and see those the world tries not to see, and calls them by their names. Those who work with the feeble, the severely disabled, the annoying, those who keep vigil caring for those who cannot thank, and whose conditions will not improve.
For teachers and parents; doctors and scientists who are only now beginning to understand the effects that the COVID-19 pandemic has had on all of humanity. Grant them patience, community, and perseverance in the practices of healing.
For the love of pets, the delight of storytellers, the beautiful truths captured by artists, we thank you.
Jesus, El Shaddai, Timeless One, we name our troubles before you, believing that naming is the beginning of claiming your power to take on the forces of evil that threaten humanity and harm creation. Help us to see beyond the differences that separate us, and free us to collaborate on solutions that unite. Amen.
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