Prayer for an Oil-Soaked Gulf

Forgive us, O God,
for the foolish ways we handle the irreplaceable gifts
that you have so graciously provided.

Forgive us,
for acting as though our needs were so important
that we were justified in endangering the least of your creatures,
those who live by the shores,
and even the ocean itself!
Grant your wisdom, O God to all involved in oil cleanup.

Forgive us,
for the sins of apathy and indifference
when trouble comes to someone else's doorstep.
Show us how to weep with those who weep on this day.

(silence)

We bow in prayer today
for oil-soaked creatures
and oil-soaked lives
For anyone who labors and toils to redeem the mistakes of others
For all who suffer through no fault of their own.

Have mercy, O God, upon the people of the Gulf Coast
who once again suffer through an out-of-control situation.
Have mercy upon all you have created that live in the Gulf,
bird and bug
creatures that swim or walk
and the people who have lived there for generations.

Have mercy upon all these and any who stand to inherit their troubles.
Amen.