Dear Lord; Happy Tuesday Father!
Well Father, I had a completely different post planned for today but once again, You’ve redirected me along a different path.
At around 1:51pm EST, an earthquake measuring 5.8 in magnitude occurred in Mineral, Virginia, sending shocks outward reaching as far as New York; and shaking the ground under us here in Delaware as well. This was the first earthquake I’ve had any experience with Father, and it was to say the least unnerving. Once the initial surprise wore off however, my concerns immediately shifted to those closer to the event itself. If this earthquake could rock my shop all the way up in Delaware, what must those nearer to it’s source be dealing with? And while I realize that compared to places like California and Japan who regularly deal with much larger quakes, for an area not used to seismic events such as this, there can certainly be damage, fear and suffering as a result.
Therefore Lord, today I’d like to direct my thoughts and prayers to those impacted by this earthquake.
The following is a small piece of a prayer written by Diana Macalintal following the Haiti Earthquake in January, 2010. While I realize the scopes of the two quakes put them in completely different categories, I found it a wonderfully poignant and beautiful prayer and wanted to share it nonetheless. I pray it brings comfort to anyone dealing with fallout from today’s event.
Lord, at times such as this,
when we realize that the ground beneath our feet
is not as solid as we had imagined,
we plead for your mercy.As the things we have built crumble about us,
we know too well how small we truly are
on this ever-changing, ever-moving,
fragile planet we call home.
Yet you have promised never to forget us.Do not forget us now.
For though the mountains leave their place
and the hills be tossed to the ground,
your love shall never leave us,
and your promise of peace will never be shaken.Our help is in the name of the Lord,
who made heaven and earth.
Blessed be the name of the Lord,
now and forever.
Amen.
~Phather Phil
Hi, I’m Phil Malmstrom, a.k.a. Phather Phil. I’m self-employed, father of two wonderful young men, an ordained minister who delights in spreading Jesus’ Message of Hope and Love, a science-fiction junkie, an aspiring photographer and above all that one of God’s Children who rejoices in His Blessings each day. 
Haven’t been able to sleep well for three nights. Maybe this is why. The epicenter was half a mile beneath the surface and final designation was 5.9. We aren’t used to this on the East Coast but are thankful for God’s everlasting LOVE…no matter what happens.
Sorry to hear you haven’t slept well lately… Hopefully you can rest now. 🙂
Have a Blessed Day!
Beautiful prayer, Phil. This morning I heard about the earthquake in Colorado, and then this after I heard of the one in Virginia. But even without earthquakes, we walk on shaky ground in this world. I’m thankful for His firm foundation under my feet.
Thank you Lisa. When I found this prayer it touched me as well, so I just had to share. And you’re correct, no matter how much the ground shakes beneath us, God stands firmly next to us throughout.
Have a Blessed Day!
Amen
🙂
Have a Blessed Day!
Love this prayer…I felt the quake today too in SC. I didn’t know what it was at first, but was somewhat panicked when I realized what it was. He showed up and reminded me of who He is.
It’s certainly not something we’re used to… Thankfully, we can trust in God’s calming presence to keep us in times of uncertainty.
Have a Blessed Day!
The prayer is beautiful. I am so thankful that all of my friends who felt this quake are safe. I have never felt one but know it has to be quite scary. Praise God He is with us in these times.
Thank you Jenifer! It wasn’t anywhere as powerful as many throughout the world, but for an unprepared East Coast it seemed significant all the same.
Have a Blessed Day!
It’s amazing I never even felt the earthquake myself..my hubby drove to where I was just to check on me because he knows how I can get…I will freak out and become scared…I thought that was so nice of him to do that….I told my hubby God did not allow me to feel it for He knew how upset I would be,..even in things like this the Lord still covers us..amen
Such a Blessing to have both God, and a caring husband to watch over you Desiray! 🙂
Have a Blessed Day!
We’re very familiar with earthquakes over here, but that doesn’t make it any more enjoyable. I’m from Texas and I had experienced tornados, but never earthquakes. I didn’t like those either, but at least we knew when they were coming… earthquakes are quite the surprise. I wrote on Allison’s blog how we were having frequent earthquakes over several months a few years ago and we were filled with fear of the “big one” but, before we knew it they just stopped. I’m glad you and your family are safe 🙂 Blessings!
Thank you Heidi! I guess we’re a little “spoiled” here on the East Coast in that respect… While it was a “little one” in the grand scope of things, it did give me some basic perspective on what others must go through when major events occur.
Have a Blessed Day!
Thank you for sharing the prayer. Praising God that the quake cause little damage or injury.
Thank you Rich, and Amen!
Have a Blessed Day!
My house shook as well… ran outside to make sure I hadn’t missed the rapture 🙂 and then sat with my feelings awhile. When the earth beneath our feet starts shaking, well, it’s a good time for to gather some perspective.
peace~elaine
Amen Elaine, and to be thankful that damage seems to have been very limited. 🙂
Have a Blessed Day!