Floods and Prayer

In our church we’re blessed by having a number of folks who lead us in pray and do so with great insight. This is the prayer that was used this past Sunday. As many of you know, parts of the UK are currently experiencing severe flooding.

MUD

There is mud everywhere
On the furniture, on the door handles,
On the computer, on my new carpet,
On the television remote control,
There are muddy footprints all up the stairs -  and it smells …. terrible!

And there is more rain coming and more mud.

Why aren’t there more sandbags?
Why haven’t the government done what they’ve promised?
Why does my insurance policy seem inadequate?
Why does God keep letting it rain?
He’s meant to be in charge isn’t he?
Why does bad stuff happen to good people?
Why, O Lord, do you stand afar off?

I am angry and frightened and depressed and worried and angry and confused and angry.
Especially, I am angry at being treated as a statistic.
I’m not a statistic,
I’m a person with a name and a family and dreams and commitments
And questions
– and quantities of smelly mud.

‘This is what the Lord says:
Fear not, for I have redeemed you,
I have summoned you by name, you are mine.
When you pass through the waters, I will be with you.
And when you pass through the rivers, they will not sweep over you.
For I am the Lord your God ….  and I love you.’     Isaiah 42: 1-4

We pray especially for all those affected by the recent flooding but also for all those who feel ‘flooded’ by other life events – loneliness, bereavement, pain and suffering of the mind and body.
May the church and its people offer the kind of listening and support that reassures and comforts,
that holds the hope,
that speaks of your mercy,
that speaks of you grace,
that speaks of your wisdom, not the world’s.

That speaks of a God who knows them not as a statistic, but by name and who loves them.
Above all, may they turn from putting their security in bricks and mortar and health and prosperity and place their trust in you.
So that your name may be glorified by their peace and faith in the midst of adversity.
Amen