Faith under Fire

Surely one does not turn against the needy,when in disaster they cry for help. Did I not weep for those whose day was hard?  Was not my soul grieved for the poor? I go about in sunless gloom; I stand up in the assembly and cry for help…My lyre is turned to mourning, and my pipe to the voice of those who weep. (From Job, Chapter 30)

Beloved in the Lord:

 

We are all passing through a time of trials, the latest being the destructive fires spreading across our state, and especially in our own county. The reading from the Book of Job this morning spoke to the sense of loss and anxiety surrounding us right now—who will ever forget the “sunless gloom” of these last few days? Holy Scripture teaches us to make an offering of our heart to God, including our anxiety and sorrows. It also teaches us to reach out in compassion and care for those in need even as we sorrow, and I commend the practice of donation to local relief agencies, as well as in-kind gifts and the simple act of making a phone call or offering to help a neighbor while we pray for the end of these fires and for rain to return to our area.

 

Today’s reading from Acts, chapter 14, provides another way of being faithful and encouraged during these hard times. After St. Paul and his companions survived many trials on their mission (including being left for dead after a stoning), they returned to Antioch, relating their experience to the church there. In utter frankness, St. Luke remarks: “There they strengthened the souls of the disciples and encouraged them to continue in the faith, saying, ‘It is through many persecutions that we must enter the kingdom of God.’” We need to hear this.

 

Following Jesus includes moments of great joy and comfort, but it also includes seasons of great trial with moment-by-moment reliance on God. Our daily recommitment to the Lord is not a quaint custom: it is a vital renewal in the sources of our faith and our ability to live and share the Gospel in hope. These are exceptional, yet not unexpected, days—as it is written: “it is through many persecutions [and struggles] that we must enter the kingdom of God.” The manna we receive through prayer, scripture, and staying in contact with each other is essential, perhaps now more than ever. Like St. Paul, we will eventually arrive back home from our difficult journey, and what a story we will have to tell! We look forward to that day, even as we journey through this smoky, difficult season. Keep the faith, and lean on God and each other, reaching out in loving service and constant prayer.

 

In Christ,

 

Brandon+

 

A Prayer for Rain:

O God, heavenly Father, who by thy Son Jesus Christ hast promised to all those who seek thy kingdom and its righteousness all things necessary to sustain their life: Send us, we entreat thee, in this time of need, such moderate rain and showers, that we may receive the fruits of the earth, to our comfort and to thy honor; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

A Litany in Response to 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. O 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, tornadoes, 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 those 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 and emergency services 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 V. You are our refuge and strength R. Our very present help in trouble V. In you Lord is our hope R. 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. (Eph. 3:20,21) Let us pray. O merciful Father, you have taught us in your holy Word that you do not willingly afflict or grieve your children: Look with pity upon the sorrows of your people, especially the people of East Marion County and all fire-afflicted places, 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.