Prayers for the victims of Texas flooding

Photo: Gerald Farinas.

Gracious and Loving God,

We come before you with heavy hearts, mourning with those who mourn in the wake of the devastating floods that struck central Texas during our nation’s celebration of independence. Even as we gathered to commemorate freedom and hope, our brothers and sisters in the Hill Country faced waters that rose with terrifying swiftness, claiming precious lives and forever changing countless families.

God of all comfort, we lift up to you the families grieving the loss of loved ones—more than sixty souls who have perished in these floods. We especially hold in our prayers the families of the children who lost their lives, including those young campers whose summer of joy became a time of unimaginable sorrow. Wrap your loving arms around parents, siblings, grandparents, and friends who are walking through the valley of the shadow of death. May they know that even in their darkest hours, you are with them.

Lord of hope, we pray for those still missing, particularly the young girls and their counselor from Camp Mystic whose whereabouts remain unknown. Grant strength and endurance to the search and rescue teams working tirelessly to bring them home. Guide their efforts, steady their hands, and let hope not be extinguished until every person is accounted for.

God of healing, we ask for your blessing upon the hundreds who were rescued from the floodwaters. Comfort those who are traumatized by what they have experienced and witnessed. Heal the physical injuries and attend to the emotional wounds that may take much longer to mend. Remind them that they are not alone in their recovery.

Mighty God, we give thanks for the courage of first responders, emergency personnel, National Guard members, and volunteers who risked their own safety to save others. The 237 people rescued from these floodwaters stand as testimony to human compassion and bravery. Sustain these servants in their continued efforts and keep them safe as they serve.

God of justice and mercy, we acknowledge our struggle to understand why such tragedies occur. Like Job, we wrestle with questions that have no easy answers. Help us to trust in your sovereignty even when we cannot see your purposes. Teach us that faith does not require us to understand, but to hold fast to your promise that nothing can separate us from your love.

Provider God, we pray for all who have lost their homes, businesses, and possessions to these floodwaters. As communities begin the long work of cleanup and rebuilding, multiply the resources available to them. Move the hearts of government officials to provide swift and adequate assistance. Inspire acts of generosity from near and far.

God of the nations, we pray for wisdom for meteorologists and emergency management officials as they work to improve warning systems and preparedness for future storms. Help us to be better stewards of your creation and more effective in protecting vulnerable communities.

Loving God, call us as your church to be the hands and feet of Christ in this time of need. Show us how we can respond with practical help, financial support, and ongoing prayer. May our actions reflect your heart of compassion for those who suffer.

We remember the words of the Psalmist: “God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble. Therefore we will not fear, though the earth should change, though the mountains shake in the heart of the sea; though its waters roar and foam, though the mountains tremble with its tumult.”

Even as the waters of the Guadalupe River brought destruction, we trust that your living water brings restoration. Even as families are torn apart by grief, we believe in your promise to heal the brokenhearted and bind up their wounds.

Holy Spirit, move among the churches and communities of Texas. Use this tragedy to draw people closer to one another and closer to you. Let the light of Christ shine brightly in this darkness, and let your people be beacons of hope in the midst of despair.

Until that great day when you wipe away every tear from our eyes, and death shall be no more, neither shall there be mourning nor crying nor pain anymore, we entrust all those affected by these floods into your tender care.

We pray this in the name of Jesus Christ, our Lord and Savior, who calms the storm and walks with us through every flood.

Amen.