Holy God, source of life, lover of souls, out of the depths we call to you; in the face of incomprehensible anguish and sorrow, we lift the cries of our distress and implore you to show mercy upon those who are suffering from the destruction of tornadoes. We pray for those who have died and for their loved ones who grieve, asking you to hold them in the arms of your love; we pray for those who have been injured in body, mind or spirit and ask you to heal them; we pray for those who are homeless and wandering, for families torn asunder and ask you to shelter them. Strengthen the hands and hearts of those who assist in relief efforts and grand us all firm resolve to stand with our neighbors who are in need, to love them and to offer our generous support of them in this their time of trouble; ...through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, now and forever. Amen.

Written by: Bishop-Elect William "Chip" Stokes, Rector, St. Paul's, Delray Beach

Bishop Frade recently spoke with the Bishop of Oklahoma, The Right Reverend Edward J. Konieczny, and he shared the pain and destruction that the tornadoes inflicted on his diocese. In Carney, Oklahoma, the son of the retired Bishop of Northwest Texas lost his home and several of the church members have been afflicted in the city of Moore, on the outskirts of Oklahoma City.

If you are so inclined, consider making a donation via Episcopal Relief and Development. ERD has always responded when hurricanes damaged our diocese. It is now our turn to respond with generosity.

http://www.episcopalrelief.org/See More

@Keys_Fr_Charles