Father in heaven, as events unfold, it now seems that the City of New Orleans is unlikely to survive in anything like its current form. Many there and in the surrounding regions have already either died or lost everything they have. Although, in your inscrutable designs, you have chosen not to stay this catastrophe, I beg you to extend your merciful hand now over all affected so that anarchy does not victimize the innocent further. Send your Holy Spirit to inspire the authorities and all decent folk to act as your Son's hands and thus embody your mercy as well as your justice.
I ask you this through that same Jesus Christ Our Lord, who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit as one God, now and for ages of ages. Amen.
