Shelter from the Storm

In anticipation of one the recent hurricanes going across Cuba a news report quoted a government official as saying the prisoners at Guantanamo Bay were safe because they were in a hurricane proof building. That statement seemed rather fool-hardy and begging to be proven wrong by nature. As architects and builders I’m sure they know their trade and created digital mock-ups of hurricane force computer models on their structures to back up their claims, but it still seems an extravagant claim. And maybe you can make hurricane proof buildings, but are they also flood proof? Can you seal up something so tightly? I suppose so, even though it seems at first unbelievable. I’ve been in a few tunnels around New York City, but that doesn’t mean I enjoyed the experience! To travel the English Channel tunnel would take strong confidence and faith in engineering and maintenance.

My prayer for the congregation?

Dear God, You provide shelter for a weary world. You don’t rely on mathematics, physics or steel, but offer your power as our shield. We are quicker to fall back on our own knowledge and experience than to fall in prayer. We turn to you as a frightened child, seeking safety and warmth when our own devices have broken and let us down. Let us turn to you before we turn another channel. As we learn more about the impact of Hurricane Ike, let us offer thanksgiving for the many that evacuated safely to other cities, for those who are providing food and a place to sleep, and for those who are taking the steps of discovery and recovery. Let us have as much faith in you as we put in our engineering marvels. You, O Lord, are marvelous. We find shelter within your arms. Amen.

Try imagining a place where it's always safe and warm.
"Come in," she said,"I'll give you shelter from the storm."
-Bob Dylan