My life has been enormously enriched since joining Facebook and twitter – I share jokes; photographs; cake recipes; holiday plans; thoughts on politics, religion and sex – the three former unmentionables; metaphorical hugs; oh yes, and more jokes. Each exchange is like a thread in a spider’s web, made of gossamer, the most inconsequential thing in the universe. But, thread by thread, however inconsequential the link may seem, bonds of friendship and affection are formed. And these bonds are surprisingly strong.
My experience is virtually universal. And when the people that we are linked to are under physical threat, the rest of us feel that we too are genuinely affected. This is a very different thing from the routine intercessionary prayer of fifty years ago for people in ‘a far-off country of which we know nothing’, with its comforting corollary of ‘I’m all right, Jack’. Through the power of the global village and social media, no one is any longer an island. We have lost that comforting, smug wall behind which to retreat.
The world is no longer peopled by two-dimensional figures, who can be filed away on paper, whether from a newspaper, magazine or book. They have come to life. It is a joy to share in their joys. But, now that these people we interact with are flesh and blood, and we know that they are flesh and blood, we cannot escape sharing their sorrows and their fears as well.
So, to all of you in the path of Hurricane Sandy, please know that when we say we are praying for you, we really are. In a heartfelt, worried, way. It turns out we really are members one of another after all.
For those whose lives are in harm’s way,
dear Lord protect them under the shadow of your wings.
For those who have been injured or whose loved ones have been killed,
dear Lord comfort them under the shadow of your wings.
For those who rescue and bring aid,
dear Lord guard them under the shadow of your wings.
For those who seek courage to face an uncertain future,
dear Lord renew their strength under the shadow of your wings.
May God’s face shine on us and be gracious to us,
that the shadow of God’s wings may give us strength and courage!
May God look on us with favor and give us peace,
that the shadow of God’s wings may enfold us in love.
Amen.
by The Episcopal Church
◊◊◊◊◊◊◊◊◊◊◊◊◊◊
The illustration is Eye of the storm (Digital manipulation of eagle and tree stump) by Ian Mason – view my work via Twelve Baskets.
This does not seem an appropriate occasion to change ‘favor’ to ‘favour’ for the eagle-eyed among you.
Blog RSS Feed
Recent Comments