Katrina...Where do you begin?

You know...I'm not one normally short on words. I always have something to say. It's not because I don't care or I'm not interested in this wretched God awful tragedy that I haven't posted something sooner.

In fact, if anything I'm transfixed by the images coming across the news channels. They take my breath away...the stories, the overwhelming personal human tragedy, I can't even begin to grasp it.

I'm dumb struck by the damage that Katrina unleashed on New Orleans, Mississippi, Alabama and Florida. More than that, I find incomprehensible the aftermath that just seems to be growing exponentially each day.

When I hear the stories about the suffering and just basic needs of people that are not being taken care of I am appalled. Anger and helplessness...just being to touch what I and so many people are feeling right now.

Where do you begin? Well...first and foremost is prayer...to fall on our knees before a Holy, Righteous and Loving God...and seek His help, mercy, grace, wisdom, provisions and comfort for my fellow Americans. I would also encourage you...if you haven't already done so to please contact one of the charitable organizations that are bringing help to these desperate people. Feed the Children, the American Red Cross, or World Vision are just a few organizations...where you can donate to help alleviate the suffering of these people. No matter, big or small, please give and make a difference in the lives of the precious hurting people created in the image of God.

Dear Father, I lift up my fellow American's who are suffering in unimaginable ways right now following the devastating effects from hurricane Katrina. The need is overwhelming...and something that we can not take care of on our own strength and power. God I pray for the provisions that are needed to take care of the people...food, medicine and medical care, hygiene, clothing and on, and on...to get to these hurting and needful people. I pray that civil order will be restored quickly...and that safety will prevail. I pray that all who need medical care will get it.

I pray that you give great wisdom to our civil, government and military authorities as they plan and put into place those plans to take care of these people. I pray that you will strengthen all the people working to rescue people still trapped or bringing them much needed relief. I pray that more people will be in place shortly to help. I pray for a hedge of protection to surround them.

I pray that you will raise up churches and pastors and lay people who will reach out and help these people. I pray that the victims will turn to you and in turn be comforted and strengthened as only you can do. I pray that they will know first hand your grace and mercy to carry them through. I pray that you will work mightily in the tragedy...and bring people that don't yet know your Son Jesus Christ to a saving faith.

Father...this is much too much for us to bear and handle on our own. We thank you that we can come to you and lay before you our needs. We are comforted and thankful that you love us and will walk with us through this tragedy and the aftermath that we must bear. We come to you in the name of your precious Son Jesus Christ. Amen!