Will the Lord reject forever?
Will he never show his favor again?
Has his unfailing love vanished forever?
Has his promise failed for all time?
Has God forgotten to be merciful?
Has he in anger withheld his compassion?
(Psalm 77:7-9 NIV)
Yesterday, a friend who moved to Florida several years ago messaged me with a local question. Today, she mentioned her parents were moving back here, which surprised me until I learned their home was destroyed by Hurricane Milton this fall. Looking through her posts, I saw the full extent of the damage—waiting for power, cleaning up, dealing with mud and water in the yard, losing trees and gardens, and struggling to repair their home. From far away, I hadn’t realized how bad the storm had been for them. Tonight I looked to see if any of the major online news sources had articles I’d missed, but the last articles I found were from October. It seems like the lack of news is indicative of “Out of sight, out of mind…” Although rescue, recovery, and rebuilding efforts in these areas are continuing, it may seem that we as a nation have largely forgotten the people whose lives were so disrupted — or even destroyed — by Hurricanes Milton and Helene. Today let us pray for the victims of these hurricanes.
Majestic God,
We sing praises to you, God, who rides across the highest heavens and whose voice thunders. We proclaim your power and majesty, and we remember your deeds, miracles, works, and ways. You are our great God and display your power. We thank you for the ways in which you have moved during and after Hurricanes Milton and Helene, and the protection you gave residents in the paths of these hurricanes. Thank you for the provision you provide for those who have lost so much, and the ways in which you are guiding your people to help their neighbors. We pray for strength, stamina, wisdom, and resources to be poured out on those who are trying to recover and rebuild. May they have all the equipment, parts, electricity, finances, knowledge, and help they need. We pray for comfort and deep peace to those who have lost loved ones and friends to these storms. May these communities surround the grieving with love, support, and help. We pray for those agencies and ministries who are assisting in the clean up and rebuilding. May their resources and guidance be fruitful and helpful to the people who are hurting. Your Word says you are close to the brokenhearted, and you save those who are crushed in spirit. Today we pray you will bind up the wounds of these broken people and communities. Give them strength for today and bright hope for tomorrow. Show your favor and unfailing love, your mercy and your compassion, we ask in Jesus’s name. AMEN.
I will remember the deeds of the Lord;
yes, I will remember your miracles of long ago.
I will consider all your works
and meditate on all your mighty deeds.
Your ways, God, are holy.
What god is as great as our God?
You are the God who performs miracles;
you display your power among the peoples. (Psalm 77:11-14 NIV)
I will extol the Lord at all times;
his praise will always be on my lips.
I will glory in the Lord;
let the afflicted hear and rejoice.
Glorify the Lord with me;
let us exalt his name together.
The righteous cry out, and the Lord hears them;
he delivers them from all their troubles.
The Lord is close to the brokenhearted
and saves those who are crushed in spirit. (Psalm 34:1-3, 17-18 NIV)
How good it is to sing praises to our God,
how pleasant and fitting to praise him!
The Lord builds up Jerusalem;
he gathers the exiles of Israel.
He heals the brokenhearted
and binds up their wounds. (Psalm 34:1-3 NIV)
Sing to God, you kingdoms of the earth,
sing praise to the Lord,
to him who rides across the highest heavens, the ancient heavens,
who thunders with mighty voice.
Proclaim the power of God,
whose majesty is over Israel,
whose power is in the heavens. (Psalm 68:32-34 NIV)