Tuesday, August 29, 2017

Prayer During a Storm



Let Us Pray for the Residents in Houston

Let us pray for the residents in Houston, Texas. They are suffering through floods, storms, tornadoes, failing dams, and broken levies.  Hurricane Harvey has caused catastrophic damage, including displacement, injuries, and loss of precious lives.

Oftentimes, we say we are going to pray for someone, and then our life gets busy and we forget. People need our prayers. So, let us remember to pray. Friends, a prayer is simply opening our heart and talking to God. Sometimes we may not know exactly what to say in the moment we kneel down to pray. There is no need to worry. Sometimes, just sitting quietly for a few minutes frees the mind and as we allow the Holy Spirit to direct us, we experience the joy of letting our heartfelt words flow freely.

Sometimes, I enjoy reading prayers that other spiritually-minded people have written. There is nothing wrong with that, especially if it is a prayer that conveys the innermost feelings of my heart. Today, I read a prayer that was written in 1888. The author is unknown. I have re-written this prayer to conform to today’s language style.

Please read this prayer as a way to help those in need of the protection of the Lord during these fearful and trying and times.

Prayer During a Storm

Our great God who is mighty and powerful in heaven and on earth, today’s storms remind us of how much control you have over us all. All creatures large, small, and in-between tremble and fall into fear at the mere sound of your voice. 

You reveal our sins to us and ask us to confess and repent in order that we will not be taken down by the wickedness of the world. You are such a mighty and powerful Lord and you constantly remind us that living a righteous life, one that caters to your will, is the only way to live. You are almighty, Lord. You could destroy this world with just one clap of thunder and lightning. We bow down to you, Lord. We kneel in prayer before you and submit to you. Please have mercy on us. Forgive us of our sins. Spare us. Lift up your gracious countenance upon us. Preserve our bodies, our lives, our homes, our property, our town, our land, our goods, our possessions, and all that we have. Protect the fruits of the field from hail and sleet, from the destruction of the storms, floods, and from all danger.

Please also guard us against an evil and sudden death, and mercifully grant that many sinners may, by your word, thunder and lightning, be persuaded to turn away from their wicked walk and life and be wholeheartedly converted to serve you.

Let us spend every hour of our day thinking of your gloriousness, knowing that you are watching us and watching over us. Dear Lord, please have mercy on us poor sinners, our bodies and souls on this earth. We ask that if you should call us to leave this world that we would be delivered to you with joy as we enter into the kingdom of your heaven.

In the name of your son, Jesus Christ,

Amen.

Bible Scripture - Psalm 4:8 (New International Version)

I will lie down and sleep in peace, for you alone, O Lord, make me dwell in safety.

Prayer Video

I created and narrated the following prayer video on September 6, 2012. It is titled, “Prayer in Great Trouble and Danger.” I pray that this prayer will give you hope as you follow along during the narration. 



Thank you for reading my blog. I pray for love, peace, and happiness in your life.

Forever,
Rev. Marlene C. Bertrand
Pastor, Christian House International Church