This morning I am praying for the people whose lives are being impacted by Hurricane Gustav. I lived in Lafayette, LA when Hurricane Andrew was projected to hit our town. I still vividly remember my mom showing up at Paul Breaux Middle School to pick me up. I was told that we were going to evacuate. We left in a small car and only had the time and space to pick a very few things to take with us. My parents did a good job of staying calm and making us feel secure, but I also knew as we drove away from our house that there was a real chance that when we came back our house would be destroyed.

This morning I am thinking of all the people who face an uncertain future, with the real possibility that they could lose everything. And my heart breaks that for so many of them it is the possibility of losing everything, again.

Father, I pray that you would make your presence known today. I pray for every person whose life is impacted by this hurricane. Help your followers to continue to have compassion for those in need and to reach out to others. Lead us to do all that we can to help our brothers and sisters, especially evacuees. During this time where we especially face the reality that we are not in control, help us to find comfort and strength in your sustaining presence. I ask all of these things in the name of your Son, Jesus Christ. Amen.