A Prayer with Those Facing Flooding

Save us, O God,
for the waters are rising,
covering our streets,
the yards where we play,
the floors where we work, and cook,

The waters are rising.
The rivers that brought us life
Now threaten its decay,
Filling basements and crevices in walls
long to dry and drain,
longer still to cleanse from mold,
flood's later plague.

The waters are rising, again —
three "hundred year" floods
in less than two years.
And we must flee,
not knowing when the waters will recede,
whether levees will hold,
what will be destroyed,
what simply spoiled.

Save us, O God,
and answer us,
lest we stick in the mire
of clay or despair.

Restore our land, again.
Free us from flood.
Free us from fear.
Let your loving kindness be upon us who call to you for help,
And upon all who bring us aid.

Show us your ways, O God.
Teach us your paths.
Make us to be communities of praise
for your great mercy.
Let love, not water, cover us.
Make our hearts glad with the abundance of your grace,
that we may again sing your praise
with all who glorify your name.