“Lord, Have Mercy.
Christ, Have Mercy.
Lord, Have Mercy on Us.”
— Kyrie Eleison Prayer
I write these words from my hometown of Tampa, Florida, just weeks after a major hurricane wreaked up our coastline and devastated much of the Southeast. My heart breaks for dear friends who videoed helplessly as flood waters swept through their home. I stand without words as I look at images of the beach communities that have hosted thousands of memories for me and my family, now looking like a scene out of an apocalyptic film. I ache as I hear stories of homes and communities entirely under water, the devastating loss, and the time and cost it will take to rebuild.
I am moved by the kindness of neighbors serving neighbors and of strangers who have become friends. Trials have a way of drawing people together and, in some beautiful moments amidst the unthinkable, bringing out the very best in us.
In the midst of these conflicting emotions, there is little time to process, as news of another major hurricane which is presently projected to make a direct hit on my hometown. Now, I’m no “newbie” to any of this. As a lifetime Floridian, I have become well accustomed to hurricanes. I remember well the four major storms that hit our home state within just six weeks back in 2004. I am well versed in storm prep protocols and have weathered many. I also am well aware of the mass hysteria which is all too often preyed upon by some media outlets.
But my mind isn’t on any of that presently. My prayers turn tenderly to those who have lost much and cannot fathom what another storm could do. My thoughts join themselves to young families who are doing the best they can to make ends meet…and who now find themselves braving another unknown as they hope for the best and prepare for the worst. I turn my gaze to some of my close friends and heroes — first responders and those who work selflessly at power plants to restore order when chaos sweeps through our city.
This morning, I pause to pray for those who are in a storm, looking at a coming storm, or trying to find the strength to recover from a storm that has just passed, starting with my friends in my own hometown.
Lord, Have Mercy.
Jesus, like the disciples, we feel the winds of the storms around us and are tempted to wonder why it seems as though you slumber. “Don’t you care?”, we cry, forgetting that you are in the boat with us and have promised us that you never truly sleep nor slumber. You always live to make intercession for us! God who calms the seas, we join you in calling for every destructive wind to dissipate.
Christ, Have Mercy.
Lord, we ask for a tangible sense of the Presence of God in our midst. In the past, you came with a pillar of cloud by day and a pillar of fire by night, but in these last days, you have delighted to allow the Most Holy Place of your Presence to reside inside of us — the sons and daughters you call “Saints.” We carry your Spirit within our very frames which beat with a new heart! In these moments, may your voice be louder than every fear, every accusation, every “what if?”, every doubt. We look to the hills, knowing our help comes from YOU, the Maker of heaven and earth! The God who is with us is far greater than every storm formed against us.
Lord, Have Mercy.
Father, we pray for those who have lost much. Wrap your arms around them in their grieving. Be their Mighty Fortress and their Strong Tower. Release supernatural provision from your throne room to their doorstep. Call up sons and daughters all around them, filled with a spirit of generosity in their time, talent, treasures, and touch — that all people will see you by how we love one another. As you did with your son, Job, would you restore what has been lost and presently show those who grieve things “too wonderful to know” about the pursuit of your love for them?
Christ, Have Mercy.
Holy Spirit, we call for you, the Comforter, to come and comfort anxious hearts. Remind us that as you clothe the Lillies of the fields and feed the birds of the air, how much more will you care for us? May your words reverberate in our souls: “Do not worry about your life…but seek first his kingdom and his righteousness.” We look to you, God. We look to you.
Lord, Have Mercy.
God, we pray for the first responders — those who willingly lay down their lives for their brothers and sisters. We release a spirit of patience and charity in the midst of time when many would want to grumble and complain. We pray not only for first responders for our bodies, but also for those who run to give aid to troubled souls. We pray for the peacemakers, the neighbors, the mothers and fathers, the brothers and sisters, the counselors, the social workers, and the pastors. Surround them with your grace. Fill them continually. Protect their hearts. Guard their wonder.
Christ, Have Mercy.
Lord, thank you that you care for us and are with us, always. Would you remind us that the “here and now” is only here now? This life is a vapor and our present trials are purchasing a glory that far outweighs it all. Just as physical storms can bring a cleansing presence to sweep away dead things and stir new life, would you bring the depth of your refining in the midst of our circumstances? We know you didn’t cause the storm, but you are continually our Rescuer and our Refiner within it. More than anything, Lord, would you have our hearts? Orient our lives toward the things that really matter. Remind us again how fleeting our days are. Allow the inferior comforts that we put too much stake in to lose their grip in the light of your glory and grace. May we be drawn ever nearer to see our hunger and thirst which is only satisfied in you. May we draw near and be fully satisfied.
Bring Beauty from Ashes.
Make Us One.
Speed the day of your Coming.
Until we see you face to face forever…
“Lord, Have Mercy.
Christ, Have Mercy.
Lord, Have Mercy on Us.”
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