Prayer in the Storm

 

I am posting this several days earlier than usual, as we could lose power and Internet at any moment because of Hurricane Ian, and it is unclear when it could be restored, once lost. Below is a repost from 2017, written as Hurricane Irma approached.  Praise God for His faithfulness in prior storms, and I pray for His protection now over our loved ones and all those in Ian's path. Praise God that Jesus is our rock, our refuge, our strength!

Dear Lord,

You are the Shepherd of the seas (1 Peter 5:4), Master of the winds (Luke 8:24), our Rock, Tower, and Refuge (2 Samuel 22:3; Psalm 18:2). Nothing is too hard for You. You spoke the universe into existence (Genesis 1); You parted the Red Sea (Isaiah 63:11); You made the sun stand still to protect Your people (Joshua 10:12). 

We beg You, Abba Father, to restrain this storm from harming Your children and those who one day will become Your children. May the power of this storm draw all to recognize You as Lord and Savior and lead them to trust in Your death, burial and resurrection (1 Corinthians 15:1-4) as the only Way to Heaven (John 14:6).

Your arm is not too short to help us, and You have promised never to leave nor forsake us (Hebrews 13:5). You made us; You carry us; and You will deliver us (Isaiah 46:4).

When Abraham pleaded with You to spare his city, You told him that you would spare it if there were even a single righteous person within (Genesis 18). We know that all have sinned and fallen short of Your glory (Romans 3:23), and that there is none righteous based on their own merit (Isaiah 41:26; Romans 3:10). 

Yet Your children are clothed in the perfect righteousness of Your Son (Isaiah 61:10). We claim His precious blood to wash away our sins, make us righteous in Your sight, and thereby allow us into Your ark of perfect peace and safety (Romans 3:25; Genesis 5-10).

Isaiah 41:10  Fear thou not; for I am with thee: be not dismayed; for I am thy God: I will strengthen thee; yea, I will help thee; yea, I will uphold thee with the right hand of my righteousness.

Before You left this earth You spoke of roaring and perplexity in the seas (Luke 21:25) as a sign of Your imminent return, along with so many other signs of the times that are now coming to pass (Matthew 24). 

May You give us the courage, hope and boldness to look up, for our redemption draws nearer with each passing day (Luke 21:28). May we keep our eyes fixed on You, the Author and Finisher of our faith (Hebrews 12:2), Who can empower us even to walk on water if we follow You in childlike faith (Matthew 14:29).

Father, we pray for safety for our lives, those of our families, loved ones, church families, workplaces, schools, and communities. We pray Your hand of protection over our homes, sanctuaries, businesses, properties. 

Yet we trust You to work all things together for our ultimate good and Your glory (Romans 8:28), according to Your perfect wisdom and Your will. We may not understand Your actions, but we yield to Your perfect will (Luke 22:42), for You are our Cup and Portion (Psalm 16:5), and You are All we need.

Lord, give us wisdom, guidance, and the peace that passes all understanding (Philippians 4:7). May we be Your light in this storm and in all the storms of life, and help others, show them Your love, and encourage them to trust You. Please show us Your mercy, love and grace in this storm and always.

In Jesus’ precious Name,

Amen. 

© 2017 Laurie Collett

 Reposted from the archives 

 

Prayer in the Storm

Dear Lord,

You are the Shepherd of the seas (1 Peter 5:4), Master of the winds (Luke 8:24), our Rock, Tower, and Refuge (2 Samuel 22:3; Psalm 18:2). Nothing is too hard for You. You spoke the universe into existence (Genesis 1); You parted the Red Sea (Isaiah 63:11); You made the sun stand still to protect Your people (Joshua 10:12). 

We beg You, Abba Father, to restrain this storm from harming Your children and those who one day will become Your children. May the power of this storm draw all to recognize You as Lord and Savior and lead them to trust in Your death, burial and resurrection (1 Corinthians 15:1-4) as the only Way to Heaven (John 14:6).

Your arm is not too short to help us, and You have promised never to leave nor forsake us (Hebrews 13:5). You made us; You carry us; and You will deliver us (Isaiah 46:4).

When Abraham pleaded with You to spare his city, You told him that you would spare it if there were even a single righteous person within (Genesis 18). We know that all have sinned and fallen short of Your glory (Romans 3:23), and that there is none righteous based on their own merit (Isaiah 41:26; Romans 3:10). 

Yet Your children are clothed in the perfect righteousness of Your Son (Isaiah 61:10). We claim His precious blood to wash away our sins, make us righteous in Your sight, and thereby allow us into Your ark of perfect peace and safety (Romans 3:25; Genesis 5-10).

Isaiah 41:10  Fear thou not; for I am with thee: be not dismayed; for I am thy God: I will strengthen thee; yea, I will help thee; yea, I will uphold thee with the right hand of my righteousness.

Before You left this earth You spoke of roaring and perplexity in the seas (Luke 21:25) as a sign of Your imminent return, along with so many other signs of the times that are now coming to pass (Matthew 24). 

May You give us the courage, hope and boldness to look up, for our redemption draws nearer with each passing day (Luke 21:28). May we keep our eyes fixed on You, the Author and Finisher of our faith (Hebrews 12:2), Who can empower us even to walk on water if we follow You in childlike faith (Matthew 14:29).

Father, we pray for safety for our lives, those of our families, loved ones, church families, workplaces, schools, and communities. We pray Your hand of protection over our homes, sanctuaries, businesses, properties. 

Yet we trust You to work all things together for our ultimate good and Your glory (Romans 8:28), according to Your perfect wisdom and Your will. We may not understand Your actions, but we yield to Your perfect will (Luke 22:42), for You are our Cup and Portion (Psalm 16:5), and You are All we need.

Lord, give us wisdom, guidance, and the peace that passes all understanding (Philippians 4:7). May we be Your light in this storm and in all the storms of life, and help others, show them Your love, and encourage them to trust You. Please show us Your mercy, love and grace in this storm and always.

In Jesus’ precious Name,

Amen. 

© 2017 Laurie Collett