Deal gently, Lord

Deal gently with our boy, Lord. This beloved son, this grandson, this brother, this nephew, this cousin, this friend, this twin, this boy we love, and gently with all who love him. As we look ahead, fill us with confidence, faith, and hope for his full recovery. Spread your Spirit of skills and wisdom among the nurses, doctors and others who tend to him. 

Surround him and fill him with your Holy Spirit that never is far away from those who are baptized in Jesus. Fill his room with your holy, healing, and life-giving presence 

even as we give you the glory for life, for breath, for the love we share for each other and for you, and especially for your love for us. Blessed are you, O Lord our God

as we pray for Joseph, and for your angels who will bring him safely out of this.



Damn your lightning, Lord.



Joseph Thompson, my nephew, my sister's grandson, hit by lightning yesterday, Monday morning near his home in Lynn Haven.