Prayer for a president caught in a media storm

O Lord, be near our president.
He needs you as his critics vent
accusing him of apathy
within Katrina’s wake.

It is a private hurricane
that twists the truth and places blame
on one who aches for those in pain
and loved ones they have lost.

Please vindicate our nation’s chief
who did his best to send relief
but had no way of knowing then
the toll we all know now.

Encourage him for what’s ahead
as numbers grow and tears are shed.
And don’t allow his critics’ barbs
to wound his will to lead.