refuge and strength

In our congregational worship on Sunday, as we prayed for the people of Haiti, our pastor referred to Romans 8:26 - “... the Spirit helps us in our weakness; for we do not know how to pray as we ought, but that very Spirit intercedes with sighs too deep for words.” And we sang “God Is Our Refuge And Strength,” an adaptation of Psalm 46 written by a close friend in response to another great tragedy, and a very fitting (almost shockingly so) song for this time.

As I read about "compassion more widespread than violence in Haiti," and about people singing in the streets of Port-au-Prince, I am reminded again of the power and importance of the songs we sing - the songs that have become part of us, and can help to sustain us, mobilize us, bind us together, and give us words to pray when no other words can be found. Lord, hear our prayers.