By this we know love, that he laid down his life for us, and we ought to lay down our lives for the brothers. But if anyone has the world’s goods and sees his brother in need, yet closes his heart against him, how does God’s love abide in him? Little children, let us not love in word or talk but in deed and in truth. 1 John 3:16-18
If you really fulfill the royal law according to the Scripture, “You shall love your neighbor as yourself,” you are doing well. James 2:8
Bear one another’s burdens, and so fulfill the law of Christ. Gal 6:2
Lord Jesus, we come to your throne of grace today on behalf of our friends and neighbors in Texas. The devastation from Harvey is both widespread and deep. Many have already lost homes, businesses and schools, and the storm continues to rage. Hear our cry for mercy and prepare us for loving well.
It’s because of your great love for us that we care. It’s because you laid down your life for us that we will lift up our prayers, load up our cars, and take up our tools. To know you is to follow you into this crisis. To love you is to serve our neighbors, to shoulder their burdens and to share our goods.
Jesus, we especially pray today for children who have been traumatized by this crisis. Bring your calming presence to bear by your Holy Spirit, through parents and friends, and by gifted care-givers. Extend your tear-wiping hand through your servant people.
We pray for city officials and civil servants, and for government and community leaders. Grant them wisdom and strength. We ask that power, water and communication services be restored quickly. Reveal the sovereign reach of your merciful and mighty hand, as you superintend the events of the next hours and coming days.
Jesus, we pray for Christians and churches planted right in the middle of this hard providence. Over-supply them supernatural strength and gospel-love to care for their neighbors. Write stories of redemption and mercy in the coming months. May the gospel become beautiful and believable to many, as burdens are born and people are loved, meals are shared and money is given, homes are rebuilt and life resumes. So very Amen, we pray, in your powerful and tender name.
