Confession
Ever-Present God: We know that you are the God of all things under heaven and earth. We rely on your divine wisdom as an all-knowing parent who loves us. We thank you for your presence through the ages and your presence with us during devastating times. We acknowledge that our human frailties do not allow us to see as you see. Nor do we always act according to your plan. Overlook, O God, our inability. Bolster up our ability to live out the gifts you have given us and the resources of treasure, skills, community and compassion we believe you have given us for the greater good. We thank you for these many gifts.

Forgive us, Lord, when we did not adequately heed the warning signs that angry waters were coming. Forgive, O God, when in fleeing some did not look back, leaving the most vulnerable behind. Forgive, O God, when the influence of those who have much superceded the needs of those who have little. Forgive, O God, as we sit on the sidelines in horror, yet critiquing every move of those involved or who need to be involved who do not act according to our expectations. Forgive, O God, our slowness at times to heed and to act. Extend to us your grace and your mercy.

Tend to our grief. And as you do, give us enduring strength to tend to the grief of so many.

In Christ's Name, Amen.
- The Rev. Dr. Cheryl Dudley

Petition
We stand on your promises, O God. We look for the work of your hand by your Spirit, and in and through us. As you once separated the waters from the land in the beginning, now separate again the land from the water. As you commanded us to be stewards of your earth, let us separate the priorities of our lives and better learn to care for the earth and heed its warnings of trouble. Now that the lifeless bodies of those who once dwelled with us float upon the waters, or are rescued from desolate places - our hearts ache with loss. May the pain not engulf us and drown our hope in you and your creation.

May the infirm and those trapped beyond medical attention, and those cared for in triage centers receive all they need by and through your healing power and the skill of human hands.

May those who have in the past descended on the city of New Orleans to celebrate Mardi Gras Big Easy-style be prompted to return for other purposes. May they go in the spirit of rebuilding and restoring for the sake of those who call the city home and have welcomed tourists, vacationers and visitors through the years.

May the variety of faith traditions present in the Gulf Coast sort themselves out and join hand-in-hand as ambassadors for the restoration of community in a troubled world.

May churches that follow the way of Christ cast out in Jesus' name the evil that tauntingly hovers near and give testimony to the power of the Savior who is indeed alive and well.

Surprise us, O God, by whom you send and who will go. Extend traveling mercies to them. Give them strength for the journey there and doing once they arrive. May the ones coming in the weeks, months and years after be able to pick up from what was begun and continue the work toward resurrection. May their spirits endure that which the eye and heart alone cannot bear.

In the hope we have been given in Christ, we pray, Amen.
- The Rev. Dr. Cheryl Dudley