Prayer Vigil Creates Space for Healing Amidst Oil Spill Grief

7/7/2010

Photo courtesy of Pat Luna

(Santa Rosa Beach, Fla.) Pray without ceasing. That’s just what those gathered at Point Washington UMC in Santa Rosa Beach, Fla. did for 24-hours on July 1 & 2. The church hosted an interfaith community prayer vigil for the oil spill in the Gulf of Mexico, drawing approximately 200 people from not only the surrounding community, but surrounding states.

Organizers estimate over 20 different faith groups, including Christian Scientist, Roman Catholic, Baptist, and un-churched individuals, of all ages participated.

During the vigil, at least one person was praying non-stop for the oil spill in the Gulf, God’s creation, and the communities of the Gulf. Many who had come to pray left overwhelmed with gratitude for such an opportunity.

Several prayer stations were set up in the church Fellowship Hall and Sanctuary. Station themes included:

“Praying in Color” through visually illustrating prayers;
Journaling;
Resting in God’s love by sitting in a rocking chair wrapped in a prayer shawl;
Lighting a prayer candle;
Walking a prayer labyrinth; and
A prayer station specifically dedicated to prayers for BP, the U.S. government, and all trying to stop and contain the oil spill.

Several people participating in the vigil found praying for BP, the U.S. government, and all trying to stop and contain the oil spill the hardest, yet the most meaningful. One woman told event organizer, Pat Luna, “I didn’t realize how badly I needed to forgive BP. All the anger I have been feeling was hurting me and not helping anyone. Thank you for this opportunity.”

At the children’s station, where stuffed toys represented God’s creatures impacted by the spill, children and adults reacted with great sadness as they looked at the scope of the disaster. One young girl, around 4 years old, picked up a stuffed butterfly toy and slowly inquired, “Butterflies aren’t going to be hurt are they?”

After learning about the scope of the spill’s impact, children were invited to draw pictures of the animals for which they will pray. One child simply prayed: “Please stop the spill that is killing all the animals I love. Amen.”

A final prayer station offered people the opportunity to write down a prayer request. Prayer requests included:

prayers for “lost, hurt, endangered, and dying animals and sea life in the Gulf and the world,”
“the fishermen and the shrimpers,”
“all the people who depend on the Gulf, its shores, and marshland,”
"the people who own BP stock that has dropped from $60 to $29 a share,”
“the workers as they help clean up,”
“for all those who are suffering because of the oil spill,”
“God, please help stop the oil spill. And bless the sea animals and birds.”
“Lord, Help us take better care of the world you created and help us do our part to help heal the earth.”
“Oh Lord, HELP!”

Bishop Paul L. Leeland, resident bishop of the Alabama – West Florida area, recently vacationed along the Gulf Coast and gives thanks for the innovative leadership of Point Washington UMC and other churches finding ways to find hope in a helpless situation.

“Point Washington United Methodist Church invited others within their communities to enter into a season of prayer, information, and acts of encouragement,” said Leeland. “This is the Church. This is the United Methodist Church – a church linked with others in a web of relationships bringing hope and help. Each act, though small in itself, when added to others brings a mighty force for restoration.

“This is our message. This is our work. The Lord’s power shall be known to his servants. Let the Church be the Church in this hour of need.”

Additional oil spill prayer vigils are being planned by area churches.

-Article by Pat Luna.

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Prayer Vigil Creates Space for Healing Amidst Oil Spill Grief

Open hearts. Open minds. Open doors.