We Are Perishing

Jesus said, “No one after lighting a lamp hides it under a jar, or puts it under a bed, but puts it on a lampstand, so that those who enter may see the light. For nothing is hidden that will not be disclosed, nor is anything secret that will not become known and come to light. Then pay attention to how you listen; for to those who have, more will be given; and from those who do not have, even what they seem to have will be taken away.” Then his mother and his brothers came to him, but they could not reach him because of the crowd. And he was told, “Your mother and your brothers are standing outside, wanting to see you.” But he said to them, “My mother and my brothers are those who hear the word of God and do it.” One day he got into a boat with his disciples, and he said to them, “Let us go across to the other side of the lake.” So they put out, and while they were sailing he fell asleep. A windstorm swept down on the lake, and the boat was filling with water, and they were in danger. They went to him and woke him up, shouting, “Master, Master, we are perishing!” And he woke up and rebuked the wind and the raging waves; they ceased, and there was a calm. He said to them, “Where is your faith?” They were afraid and amazed, and said to one another, “Who then is this, that he commands even the winds and the water, and they obey him?” Luke 8:16-25

We Are Perishing

O God who commands the winds and water

who is our beginning and our very end

we find ourselves on very turbulent seas

in dark times when nothing seems certain.

Real storms have arisen and tear through

wind and water damage across our land

and storms of cruelty and racial violence

seem the  only story of our every day.

We need safe harbor in these troubles

we ache for peace when cruelty reigns

we want to find the right solutions

as we cower and hide riddled with fear.

Help us to be girded again with faith

let us be strong for those who cannot

let us be love for those who are sinking

make us safe harbor for those who are lost. Amen,