A PRAYER FOR NEW ORLEANS: Phil Gulley

"When the Lord restored the fortunes of Zion, we were like those who dream. Then our mouths were filled with laughter, and our tongues with shouts of joy; then they said among the nations, "The Lord has done great things for them." --Psalm 126:1-2

Lord, in a world where Caesar does so little, where children cry for bread and are given stones, bless these youth and those who labor with them to give real food and real hope to the bruised and battered of New Orleans.

As you restored the fortunes of Zion, so restore this lovely city. Replace her pain with promise, her nightmares with sweet and kindly dreams. Turn her cries to laughter and give her a new song to sing.

Lord, let all the world bear witness to the good you are doing here, even as politicians bicker and posture and pose. Thank you for Lisa and Jim and the youth, whose mustard seed of faith will one day grow into a large tree, giving shade and comfort to your weary children.

For all that you have done, for all that you are doing, for all that you will do, O Lord, we give you thanks. AMEN.

NOTE: Phillip Gulley, a Quaker pastor and author of the "Harmony" book series, wrote this as a prayer for our group and New Orleans. He has co-written books with author and pastor Jim Mulholland who is leading our writing workshop.