Updated with new, lower death toll.
The death toll from yesterday’s deadly Oklahoma tornado has reportedly fallen to 24 because some of the dead appear to have been counted twice. Social media has become a virtual prayer wall, as people of all faiths offer prayers for the dead and injured. The Huffington Post reports that one woman has created a Facebook page to help collect family photographs and other treasures that were scattered in the storm.
Presiding Bishop Katherine Jefferts Schori offers this:
The prayers of Episcopalians are with the people of Oklahoma in the midst of this tragic event. May the spirit of God hover over the broken, lost, and grieving, and may they meet the love of God in their neighbors’ responses.
We invite you to share messages of hope you have posted or seen online. And donate online to disaster relief at Episcopal Relief and Development, or send checks to the Episcopal Diocese of Oklahoma, 924 N. Robinson, Oklahoma City, OK 73102.
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Bishop Dean Wolfe of Kansas has asked the diocese to use this prayer on Sunday (as well as take collections for ER-D):
Almighty God, the defender of those who trust in you and the strength of all who suffer: Look with mercy upon the people of Oklahoma and upon all those who have suffered loss due to the tornados of this past week.
Be especially, we pray, with those who have lost loved ones, those who have suffered injury and those who have lost their worldly possessions. Be with the first responders who risk themselves in the service of others.
Deliver your people in the face of all these afflictions, and comfort them with your loving and life-giving Spirit.
This we pray through our mighty Savior Jesus Christ, in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever. Amen.