A prayer for God's help, letting reality teach us how to live as Jesus lived

During meditation this morning, I offered the Lord the following prayer:
Lord, the effects of Hurricane Irene are devastating. Hugh sections of New Jersey and Vermont and other Eastern States are inundated with water. Homes and businesses destroyed throughout many towns and villages, including Denville, NJ, where I live.  Rivers rising, not cresting. Trees toppling. People without electrical power. On the other side of the world Taiwan is flooded by the typhoon. In the western U.S. fires and drought are consuming towns and villages, as well. 

We are in a pitable state, Lord. Have we so abused Mother Earth that it is wreaking its fury upon us? Are these disasters forcing us to focus on the essentials of human existence: reaching out to, being concered about each others'  welfare rather than on having the latest electronic gadget, the biggest yacht, the most expensive home, being better than another, tearing others apart for political gain.  We are all brought to a state of equality, Lord--human beings needing to be there for one another in their need--as we face one disaster after another.  Help us, Lord, learn what we need to learn about living well according to the way You lived among us. And show us  Your mercy as we face the realities around us and within us.