A Prayer from Hayes Barton UMC in Preparation for Hurricane Florence
The past few days have been marked with a heighten sense of anxiety and uncertainty as our congregation, the City of Raleigh, the people and places in Eastern North Carolina, and others along the East Coast prepare and wait for Hurricane Florence. While the specific path and intensity at landfall is not completely known, it seems certain that there is the threat of flooding, storm surge, and intense wind and rain for the coastal plains as well as areas inland. Destruction of property and infrastructure will likely happen. There is also the danger of injury and death to people affected by this hurricane.
Your pastors and others involved in prayer ministries at Hayes Barton UMC are in deep prayer for our church, all people associated with this congregation, and for all people and all places that will be touched by this storm in the coming days. We pray people find safe shelter, food and water to sustain needs, and for God’s protection so that there will be limited injury and loss of life. We also pray for limited destruction of physical property so that people may continue to call the places they live “home.” Our prayers are also lifted up for peace and calm and that we may all be well physically, emotionally, mentally, and spiritually. May God grant us peace despite a situation that is frightening, anxiety inducing, and uncertain. After the storm passes, we also pray for God’s guidance and discernment to help in recovery and meet each other’s needs in times of trouble. From this may we be united as the Body of Christ by the power of the Holy Spirit and find strength in community. In the words of Paul, may we “rejoice in hope, be patient in suffering, and persevere in prayer” (Romans 12:12). Please pray with us this prayer we offer for today, and the days we face ahead. Let us pray:
Compassionate God: Creator, Redeemer, and Sustainer, we come to you in need of your mercy and grace. In the face of a natural disaster, we pray that all people and all places in the path of Hurricane Florence will be safe. As we wait and prepare for this storm, grant us peace and assurance of your mercy while we are filled with anxiety and uncertainty. We also pray for people that face this storm alone. Give others guidance to know who is in need of community so that fears may be lessened. While our lives
and the places we live will be changed by this hurricane, may the effects on people and communities be limited. After the storm has passed, we pray for protection for all the rescue workers. Guiding Lord, we also pray that you may lead us in knowing whom, how, and where to help to rebuild hope, and communities, in the days, weeks, and years to come. Above all, we pray that others and ourselves will come to know you, Almighty God, as loving and merciful and place our whole trust in your grace. By the power of your Holy Spirit, be with us this day, and in the days to come. May this bring us peace and protection in the name of our Savior Jesus Christ. Amen
