Praying from Dry Land

O God, I offer this prayer as one who is not staring at water in my living room.  I live over 1,000 miles away.  But there are many of us, who are watching the scenes via computer and television, totally helpless in the moment. We want to do something, but what? We promise to pray, but how?  My family and I moved from Houston seventeen years ago, after pastoring a church in what is now a very damaged neighborhood. We hear from and talk to friends who have lost everything physically, save their lives.  Some of our family is frantically stacking sandbags in attempt to steer water away from their homes, others covering furniture with tarp to keep from ruin due to roof leaks.  Here we are, God, along with millions more throughout the country and world, in search of what our prayer should be as we stand on dry land.

We know the prayers of our friends and family in Houston, Beaumont, and surrounding areas. Their prayers come from the front lines. They are praying for receding waters. They are praying for sunshine. They are praying for restful sleep. They are praying for security.  They are praying for hope. They are praying that the rest of us will do the right thing. In many cases, they pray and nothing comes out of their mouths.

As one who cannot possibly understand the present trauma of life in southeast Texas and southern Louisiana, I offer this prayer.

In my ignorance, God, provide wisdom to know what I must do as Your child and their brother and sister. I pray that Your wisdom will extend to every individual who must make decisions that will affect hundreds, if not thousands, of others. Wisdom that is needed when emergency water releases from reservoirs may help some and inevitably hurt others. Wisdom that is needed when deciding that it is time to steer boats to a different neighborhood, satisfied that they have searched enough in the homes where they are.  Wisdom that is needed in the classroom, as teachers try to help children make sense of any of this. God, give all of us Your wisdom.

In my comfort, God, provide compassion for those who are comfortless. We watch in horror as our neighbors to the south wonder how they can feel one more hurt; turn our horror into compassion, God.  Compassion that helps the child find the family cat before climbing aboard the rescue boat. Compassion for the parent who is trying to “keep it together” when it all looks to be falling apart. Compassion for the first responder whose own house is under water.  Compassion for the pastor who tries to compose a sermon for congregants when the pastor needs it more personally than anyone.  God, give us all compassion.

In my faithlessness, God, provide faith for myself and others. We all know what the Bible says about storms and rainbows, but it almost feels like that story is proving futile right now.  Fill us with a child’s faith. Faith that gives belief to the lifelong believer who feels tested beyond endurance. Faith that gives belief to the unbelieving rescuer, who sees something unnatural in the eyes of the rescued people in the boat. Faith to all who have nothing else on which to hold.

We will continue to pray, God, because we need Someone to hear us and make sense of our stutterings. We will pray as we write relief checks.  We will pray as we go to help in the months and years ahead. We will pray because they find hope in our prayers.  We will pray … perhaps because we simply need someone to talk to.  Amen.

22 thoughts on “Praying from Dry Land”

      1. Amen.. all I know to say is AMEN..God hear this prayer of Hope.. I too cannot not find words..Just please God watch over the torn people. Amen

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  2. Thank you Allen! This is a perfect prayer and message. I can only imagine the fear and devastIon that the people of Houston and the surrounding areas are enduring. I hope your message finds it way to them and they find comfort.

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  3. Our hearts are heavy too, but, we’re holding you and Laurie and Texans tight in prayer.
    Ruth Ann and Neal

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  4. Thanks, Allen. My heart hurts for all they are going through right now. Thanks for putting words to our hurting hearts. Joyce

    On Wed, Aug 30, 2017 at 10:36 AM, On Second Thought wrote:

    > Allen Reasons, Ph.D. posted: “O God, I offer this prayer as one who is not > staring at water in my living room. I live over 1,000 miles away. But > there are many of us, who are watching the scenes via computer and > television, totally helpless in the moment. We want to do something, bu” >

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  6. Allen thank you again for leading us in a time of loss and fear and hopelessness. Our hearts break for everyone who is experiencing this destruction and loss.

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  7. Thank you, Allen for putting forth the words that I could not even begin to form. You continue to be a blessing to us all.

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    1. Ginger, I cannot believe that you took the time to write back. Laurie and I just finished a time of praying for you, and we do that throughout the day. My heart is absolutely breaking for you and Rodney. Just know that every time I think of you, I pray. Blessings and love, Allen

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  9. Thank you, Allen for this beautiful prayer. Bob and I are in Washington state visiting our daughter and experiencing the birth of a new great grandson with Peter from the Bible, Wilkins, named for Bob and I, Rees.
    A neighbor has sent pictures of our house in Sugar Land with water at front steps, but not in house. But we have been so concerned about family and friends in Houston. Spent a lot of time checking on every one.
    Blessings to you and Laura,
    Rita Wilkins

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    1. Rita, how wonderful to hear from you!! Please give Bob our best as well!! Thank you for reading and for replying. My heart is so disturbed about what is happening to our church family in Texas. I will pray for you two specifically as you go home and as you assess any damage…praying there is none. Blessings, Allen

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