As our friends in Oklahoma know all too well (and as our friends around the country and around the world are finding out via news reports), several life-threatening tornadoes have touched down in the Midwest. State and national media are providing extensive coverage.
OBU President David Whitlock reported that all students who remain on Bison Hill are safe and that the buildings and grounds were not damaged.
Here is a litany that is sometimes used in the wake of natural disasters, adapted from the Book of Common Prayer. Grace and peace to you all.
A Litany in Response to a Natural Disaster
O God the Father, Creator of heaven and earth,
Have mercy upon us.
O God the Son, redeemer of the world,
Have mercy upon us.
O God the Holy Spirit, Sanctifier of the faithful,
Have mercy upon us.
Holy, blessed and glorious Trinity, One God
Have mercy upon us.
Remember not, Lord Christ our offenses, neither reward us according to our sins. Spare us, good Lord, spare your people, whom you have redeemed by your cross and passion, and by your mercy preserve us forever.
Spare us, good Lord.
From all natural disasters, from hurricanes, fires, tornados, earthquakes, tsunamis, blizzards and floods,
Good Lord, deliver us.
From all disease and sickness, from famine and violence,
Good Lord, deliver us.
In all times of sorrow, in all times of joy; in the hour of death and at the day of judgment,
Good Lord, deliver us.
Hear our prayers, O Christ our God,
O Christ, hear us.
For the + repose of the souls of our brothers and sisters in Christ who have died in this disaster, that your holy angels may welcome them into Paradise,
O Christ, hear us.
Console all who grieve: those whose loved ones have died, whose families are torn; whose homes have been destroyed, whose possessions have been ruined, who are now unemployed.
O Christ, hear us.
Heal those who suffer from injury and illness, emotional and spiritual distress. Give them hope and encouragement to meet the days ahead.
O Christ, hear us.
Give food to the hungry and drink to the thirsty.
O Christ, hear us.
Give rest to the weary and peace to the restless.
O Christ, hear us.
Give strength to the governments of affected regions and all others in authority and leadership; grant them wisdom and power to act in accordance with your will.
O Christ, hear us.
Bless the clergy and people in areas of danger and destruction who strive to do your service in the midst of their own grief and pain. Give them fortitude to serve as you would serve.
O Christ, hear us.
Grant your people grace to witness to your word, to open their hearts in love, and to give generously from their abundance, that they may bring forth the fruits of your Spirit.
O Christ, hear us.
Forgive us Lord, for all negligence and hardheartedness, for an over-reliance on technology and a lack of preparedness that result in bitterness and strife, in injury and death.
O Christ, hear us.
In the midst of loss, grant us eyes that see, ears that hear and hands that work so that we may discern how you would have us respond.
O Christ, hear us.
We give you thanks, Lord God for all agencies and individuals who assist in relief efforts; continue in them the good work you have begun, through them your presence is made known.
We thank you O, Lord
You are our refuge and strength
Our very present help in trouble
In you Lord is our Hope
And we shall never hope in vain
Glory to God whose power, working in us, can do infinitely more than we can ask or imagine.
Glory to him from generation to generation in the Church, and in Christ Jesus for ever.
O merciful Father, you have taught us in your holy Word that you do not willingly afflict or grieve the children of men: Look with pity upon the sorrows of your people [especially _______, for whom our prayers are offered]. Remember them, O Lord, in mercy, nourish their souls with patience, comfort them with a sense of your goodness, lift up your countenance upon them, and give them peace; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
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