A Prayer for the Gulf Coast Oil Spill

On April 20th there was an explosion on an oil rig in the Gulf of Mexico which resulted in the death of 11 people. After the explosion, one of the fail safes which was to protect against spills apparently failed. Since then, gallon after gallon of oil has been spilling into the waters uncontained. It seems that it will be another 7-9 days until even a temporary cap can be put in place. Meanwhile oil continues to gush out, threatening animals, beaches, and marshes. While cleanup efforts have begun, to date they have been largely unsuccessful at containing the spill. As of today, it looks like this will be the worst US oil disaster ever. The potential harm done to God’s creation is immense.

For most of us there is not much we can do about it. We are neither trained nor positioned to help. And yet, as people who care for God’s creation we cannot just ignore this tragedy. So, please join me in prayer for the families of those who died and were injured, for those whose lives and livelihoods have been affected, for those working to clean up the spill, and for God’s creatures and creations that are damaged.

A Prayer for the Gulf Coast Oil Spill

Our LORD,

Creator, Sustainer, and Redeemer,

You alone are sovereign over creation.

You alone created the heavens and the earth.

You alone sustain and hold all things together.

You alone are the redeemer and re-creator.

We praise You for your wonderful creation,

But now plead with You for your intervention.

In the face of great tragedy we turn to You,

We ask that You step in with works of restoration.

Be with the families of those who were killed,

May they be comforted with Your peace.

Be with those who were injured,

May they experience Your healing.

Be with those whose jobs are affected in an already tough economy,

May they receive Your provision.

Be with those who are working to contain and clean up,

May they be guided and directed.

What a shame that Your creatures should suffer!

Lord, please protect and heal them.

What a shame that Your creation should be damaged!

Lord, please protect and restore it.

As we ourselves are somewhat complicit in this tragedy,

Forgive us for our role in this crisis.

Teach us to reduce our own consumption,

That we might better care for and protect Your creation.

We again acknowledge Your sovereignty.

We pray that Your restorative work would be manifest,

That Your Kingdom come and Your will be done here and now,

That Your name might be glorified in all the earth.

We pray all this in the name of our LORD,

the Creator, Sustainer, and Redeemer of all things.

Amen

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