Catch a breath...

The need here in Houston has been so great and the good people of New Orleans who are being relocated here have become a priority need. Please continue in prayer for them and their New Day new beginning. People who are displaced by the storm have come to Houston and many of them plan on remaining here. A great deal will need to be done to help the thousands who have had their normal "day-to-day" interrupted by this trauma get back to anything resembling "business as usual." The population at the Astro-Dome complex is thinning as evacuees locate relatives or friends able to accomodate them, or find an apartment or house to rent short term or long term. People need jobs, and social services is being overwhelmed by the numbers. Tempers are short, misunderstandings occur as exhausted and bewildered people encounter obstacle after obstacle. When the drama of the evacuation is over, as these weary and depleted people begin to be absorbed into the community, when the news crews and celebrities stop coming, and the depth of loss begins to become real, even as their physical needs are being met, there will be a depth of despair and we must pray for God to strengthen us to be present to fill this spiritual hunger that will persist even after the body has been fed.

Dear God, be present in our city, comfort the mourners and lift those in despair, strengthen those able to help and guide our efforts to your purposes. And help the rescuers and recovery workers in the stricken areas remain safe and whole, comfort their minds. Amen and amen.

Dear God, Help all the prisoners who have family affected by this natural disaster to have the peace of knowing their family is safe and where they are at this time. Isolation is so hard and leads us to fear and despair. Bring us into communion with our loved ones, and give us hope for the new day, strength to handle the challeges ahead, patience to see through the frustrations of being unable to help when we want so much to help, and courage to face any trials that may present knowing through Jesus Christ our needs are provided for. Help us trust in your grace.

For DoLores England in Dayton Texas and her three daughters, Derick G. in Abilene and his family, Lisa B. in Dallas, Ms. Gail H. in Coleman, Florida and her family, especially grandson Jesse, Rhonda L. C. in Ft. Worth, and Lecia W. in Bryan, Texas, For JoAnn D. and her children Billy Ray, Melinda, Richard Lee; For Kimberlly S. and her family, for Loretta T., for Ashley S. and her children Eric and Justin, we lift all these names to you dear God. These mothers and fathers have confessed their need for your intercessory love in their lives. Help them remain strong in you, and reunite these families in your time. We lift the names of Jessica R., Catherine A., Albert C., Lisa J., Elvira Euaro P., Irene P. in prayer. Let them know you are present with them now and always, and help them along their walk. Help us, as one part of your body the church, to know how to serve the hurt and broken people of the world, and empower us to be your witness in the world. We pray in the name of Jesus, Amen.