After the devastation in Joplin, Missouri, another tornado has ripped through Oklahoma. Still another tornado hit Massachusetts. It is important that we remember the victims of these horrific storms. Here is a suggested prayer taken from various verses in Romans 12.
Lord, we bless those who are hurting and wounded from the storms in their lives. I ask that you will bring the best out of all the people who have been adversely affected by this terrible event. We place before You as an offering the men, women and children who are in pain and despair.
Lord, bring from this tragedy Your peace that is not effected by circumstances, Your stamina that does not burn out, Your compassion that does not overlook even the smallest details.
Help each one to discover beauty in everyone they meet, to find release in laughter when the stress and hard work is more than they can bare. Give them friends who will share tears with them when they’re down.
Most of all, I pray, that each person will find the joy of a true friendship with You, and give themselves to You as an offering. Lord, let it be that in the middle of their heartache, each person will be able to fix their attention on You and Your great love. In Jesus name, we pray. Amen.
posted June 7, 2011 at 3:47 pm
We have relatives in Mass., friends in Joplin who were missed by both tornados. God saved them but I pray for all others that were hit. We have a Grandson who went from his college in N.C. down to Alabama and spent some time cleaning up. So proud of him to take off work to help out. We live in tornado alley in Missouri and have experienced many and prayers do help…and of course people helping with clean up and the donations. Truck loads are leaving almost daily from the bigger cities and towns towards Joplin. Fund raisers, etc. all summer long also. Apartment complexes in Springfield are opening up for the people in Joplin who want to move in hopes for a job because their job is no longer there. Joplin is a city now divided in half. The tornado went west to east right through the middle of the city. Hospital, 3 schools, WalMart, Home Depot and all the homes and other businesses gone in its path gone. The tornado was a mile wide. Hope this is not too long to post. God love the people trying to get their life back together and finding their loved ones. So far as of 6 Jun 2011 there are 141 dead in Joplin. Bless you and your Beliefnet…I so enjoy receiving it and reading everything that you put on here.
posted June 7, 2011 at 4:39 pm
Thank you, Jo, for the update. While the news carries sound bites, your info is very valuable.
posted May 26, 2011 at 11:25 pm
My dear dad who was a godly man used to always say, “A Farmer shouldn’t ask God for a good crop unless he’s working his best to farm his land.”
We certainly must act, but NEVER minimize the power of prayer!
posted May 27, 2011 at 5:54 am
Thanks, Faith. Very well said.
posted May 26, 2011 at 6:13 pm
Prayer doesn’t actually DO anything. You’re better off donating money to the Red Cross, or donating blood to a blood bank. Take ACTION! Wishing your problems away doesn’t help.
http://donaldmorton.wordpress.com/2011/05/23/praying-for-joplin-is-a-pointless-waste-of-time-2/
posted May 26, 2011 at 7:41 pm
Thanks, Donald, for taking the time of write your comment. However, it is a proven statistical fact that people of prayer give far more in times of disaster to victims than others. Glad that you are the exception to that rule.
posted May 26, 2011 at 8:33 am
In Jesus name we pray. Amen
posted May 26, 2011 at 7:41 pm
Thanks, Marie for your prayer.
posted May 26, 2011 at 7:43 am
In The Mist of Storm. God walk in love and presence. Faith must be strong.
God bless you.
posted May 26, 2011 at 7:43 pm
Thanks, Claire. It is true that faith must be strong at time like these. Thank God that he is able to strengthen us in time of peril.