A Litany

by Leo Hartshorn

Our minds are preoccupied with death and destruction.
Our nation mourns for those who have suffered loss.
      God is our refuge and strength,
      an everpresent help in times of trouble.
The world quakes and quivers.
City buildings crumble and collapse.
      There is a river whose streams
      make glad the city of God.
Everything seems to have changed.
People tremble for fear of war.
      God makes wars to cease
      to the ends of the earth.
Be still, and know that God is with us.
      God will be exalted among the nations.