Prayer for Puerto Rico after Hurricane Maria

http://www.cnn.com/2017/09/24/americas/hurricane-maria-puerto-rico-aftermath/index.html

Lord, today we pray for Puerto Rico, an island ravaged by Hurricane Maria. First we pray for people who may be in imminent danger at this very moment. With roads blocked and almost all cell towers down, Puerto Ricans still do not have the full extent of damage and danger. If there is anyone in need of immediate help, we ask you to compel someone to visit that area right now (and provide the necessary means and access), so help will arrive in time. Lord, we pray for those who are grieving the loss of loved ones. Give them the strength to take care of themselves and pick back up again after this storm, despite the severe grief they are experiencing. May neighbors rally around them to comfort them, even as they are dealing with their own losses of property and basic necessities. We pray for creative means of communications, since cell phones are mostly unusable. Grant peace to those who await word from loved ones. And, Lord, we pray for the looting to stop. It always sickens us to hear of people taking advantage of devastation to further harm others. Bring about deep conviction in the hearts of those participating in this—or tempted to participate in this. May they recognize this as an opportunity to rise up as heroes, rather than a time to take advantage of the vulnerable. Though there is so much more to pray, we ask in closing that you would protect and bless the thousands of US Army Reserves sent to help. May they do excellent, efficient, caring work. Sustain and watch over them. In Jesus’ name we pray, amen.