08-20-23

ECCLESIOLOGICAL ETCHINGS
August 20, 2023
Like many of you, I am watching the weather reports and visiting the National Hurricane Center’s website. By the time you read this, Hurricane Hillary will be pounding Baja California, with tons of rain to follow across southern California. Though needing rain, those of us along the Gulf Coast of Texas know all too well the damage heavy rains from a tropical storm can bring. I never know exactly what to pray for in moments like this. As I ponder the nature and character of God, I cannot imagine a God who will turn a hurricane if enough prayers are said or the right people say the prayers or at least some people pray the prayers God most likes. In my mind, that was the sort of God from whom Jesus was trying to free people. Don’t get me wrong, I am still praying because I believe prayer changes people, especially the one praying. And maybe this is one of those moments when nature is going to do its thing and human beings will seek strength and hope that have as their source the One who is the Source of Love, through which miracles do occur.

No matter what our current thinking is in regard to prayer, Lord God, may we all be mindful of those who find themselves in dangerous situations this day, whether it be those on the West Coast, the ongoing heat of the South, a war in Ukraine, the violence in Yemen and the Congo, or children everywhere who do not have access to food, water, and education. Use our prayers, and then utilize us. Amen.