Read: 1Samuel 29:1-31:13, John 11:55-12:19, Psalm 118:1-18, Proverbs 15:24-26

In my distress I prayed to the Lord, and the Lord answered me and set me free. (Psalm 118:5)

Relate: There are certain times when we have to set aside the normal agenda and come together against devastating circumstances. Late yesterday a tornado that was over a mile wide hit down in areas near Oklahoma City for over 40 minutes. The picture above was posted about 8 hours ago near one of the two schools destroyed in its wake. According to a NY Times report just minutes old this tornado claimed the lives of at least 91 people, 20 children, and injured over 145 others, 70 of them children. What is worse, as I write this there are still children trapped under the wreckage that was Plaza Towers Elementary School.

React: Within minutes Convoy of Hope already had an assessment team in place to begin determining exactly where they can begin dealing with the overwhelming needs they will be facing. I am sure there are other organizations that are or will be responding as well. I only speak of CoH here because they have a proven track record, unlike the Red Cross, of quickly and efficiently putting your contributions to good use. You can know for certain that over 90% of what you give will go to exactly what you gave it for. You can give here. You can keep track of their work on the ground here. Beyond giving, if you have the opportunity, I would encourage you to seriously consider finding (or starting) a team to invest your time and gifts to help those who are there. We can give, we can go, but most of all we must pray.

Respond: 

God, have mercy. Sometimes we don’t even know how to pray… where to begin… but You know. Be with those children still trapped in the rubble. Give strength and endurance to those rescue workers on the scene risking their own safety to save others. Grant wisdom to those assessing when and how they will begin their relief efforts. Bring peace to the families and friends of those 91 who have had a part of their heart ripped away by the wind. Be a bedrock of surety for those that must build their lives and homes anew. Above all, Lord, have mercy.