Prayers for hurricane victims and helpers

I send prayers for those who have lost homes, families, neighborhoods, and livelihoods in the wake of this terrible storm. The photos and videos break my heart. I looked today at a photo of Canal Street in New Orleans, seeing a group of folks carrying belongings in sacks while walking down the center of the street in waist-deep water. I recall that my folks took me to New Orleans when I was 13(1966), and I thought Canal Street was the grandest, widest street I'd ever seen in the most glorious city. I can see the hotel in which we stayed in this photo.

I send prayers for all those working in search-and-rescue operations, for all those, paid or volunteer, who are working to minister to or to help alleviate the misery of the multitudes affected. Lord, have mercy upon us, open our hearts and our wallets, and may the resources needed to meet the needs and to re-establish some sense of normalcy be made available quickly to those who can make best use of them.
AMEN.