Prayer for the Gulf of Mexico

Holy God,
out of the waters you brought forth life:
plankton and fish, grasses and birds,
dolphins and whales,
leviathan for the sheer joy of it,
and us as your stewards of your creation.

But now our greed and carelessness
have despoiled it,
death belches up into the water,
your creatures are perishing,
the coastlands befouled.

We pray for all this disaster’s victims.
In Jesus’ name, hear our grief,
forgive our folly,
give us courage for action and
sacrifice,
and, please, let not your
beautiful creation
be forever lost.

Amen
                                       

   The Rev. John K. Stendahl