Let the Tears Fall

Holy One, you are near and present in all things: highs and lows, joys and sorrows, celebration and suffering.

God, we come to you now in the midst of yet another storm and in a season of grief and loss of loved ones, belongings, and a sense of normalcy. More chaos, more loss, more pain.

Let the tears fall.

For the hurt in our hearts, we ask for healing, God. Hold us in our pain and bring peace to the storm. 

What is hurting in your heart that you want God to heal?

Let the tears fall.

For the hurt in our community, our families, friends, neighbors, strangers, we ask for healing, God. Surround our homes, neighborhoods, churches, schools, businesses, hospitals, and parks with your love and care. 

What is the hurt in your community that you want God to heal?

Let the tears fall.

For the hurt in our world from war, oppression, hunger, and injustice, we ask for healing, God. Shine hope in all places where there is despair. 

What is the heart in our world that you want God to heal?

Let the tears fall.

Lord, let our tears fall. You catch them in your hands and in the ocean of our grief and lament, you call out again and again, “Peace, be still.”

Amen

This prayer was written after Hurricanes Ian and Nicole ravaged the coastal communities in Volusia County, Florida in the fall of 2022. Our local community experienced extensive flooding, destruction of homes and belongings, and the loss of loved ones. Our community is still rebuilding physically, and will continue to do so for the next few years, but the mental, emotional, and spiritual toll taken is an unseen burden many are carrying, full to the brim.