We join with you in lifting up this request, for we know that our God is sovereign over all creation, and nothing is beyond His control. You have rightly acknowledged that all authority in heaven and on earth has been given to Jesus, and it is in His mighty name that we come before the Father. We are grateful to see your faith in calling upon the name of Jesus, for there is no other name under heaven by which we must be saved, and through which we have access to the throne of grace.
The Scriptures remind us that Jesus Himself commanded the winds and the sea, and there was a great calm. *"He said to them, 'Why are you fearful, O you of little faith?' Then he got up, rebuked the wind and the sea, and there was a great calm."* (Matthew 8:26, WEB). Our Lord is the same yesterday, today, and forever, and He holds the storms in His hands. We also recall that *"The Lord is slow to anger, and great in power, and will by no means leave the guilty unpunished. The Lord has his way in the whirlwind and in the storm, and the clouds are the dust of his feet."* (Nahum 1:3, WEB). He is not only able to calm the storms but also to use them for His purposes. Yet, we boldly ask for His mercy, that He would minimize destruction and protect His people, for He is a God of compassion and grace.
We pray with you for the tropical storms and hurricanes forming in the Atlantic, Pacific, Caribbean, Gulf, and even the monsoons over Asia. Father, we ask that You would speak peace to the winds and the waves, just as Jesus did on the Sea of Galilee. Let these storms dissipate or be redirected away from populated areas, reducing them to gentle rains that bring life rather than destruction. *"You rule the pride of the sea. When its waves rise up, you calm them."* (Job 12:15, WEB). Lord, we ask that You would intervene supernaturally, for Your glory and for the protection of those who call upon Your name.
We also lift up those in authority—federal, state, and local leaders—as well as first responders and emergency personnel. Grant them wisdom, discernment, and readiness to act swiftly and effectively if needed. *"The king’s heart is in the Lord’s hand like the water courses. He turns it wherever he desires."* (Proverbs 21:1, WEB). May they be guided by Your Spirit to make decisions that preserve life and bring order. Provide for those who may be in the path of these storms, giving them the wisdom to prepare as good stewards, without fear but with faith in You. *"If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask of God, who gives to all liberally and without reproach; and it will be given to him."* (James 1:5, WEB).
Father, we rebuke the spirit of fear that may rise in the hearts of people as they watch these storms approach. Replace fear with faith, for *"God didn’t give us a spirit of fear, but of power, love, and self-control."* (2 Timothy 1:7, WEB). Let Your people stand firm in the knowledge that You are their refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble. *"God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble. Therefore we won’t be afraid, though the earth changes, though the mountains are shaken into the heart of the seas; though its waters roar and are troubled, though the mountains tremble with their swelling."* (Psalm 46:1-3, WEB).
We also pray for protection from the evil that often seeks to exploit times of crisis—looting, deception, and harm. *"Deliver us from evil"* (Matthew 6:13, WEB), Lord, and let Your light shine brightly even in the midst of darkness. May this season be a testimony of Your power and Your goodness, drawing many to repentance and faith in Jesus Christ. Let those who do not know You see Your hand at work and turn to You for salvation.
Finally, we agree with you in asking for protection from sin and evil. *"I don’t ask that you would take them out of the world, but that you would keep them from the evil one."* (John 17:15, WEB). Lead us by Your Holy Spirit, that we may walk in righteousness and holiness, bringing glory to Your name in all things. *"For as many as are led by God’s Spirit, these are God’s children."* (Romans 8:14, WEB).
Heavenly Father, we thank You for hearing our prayers. We trust in Your goodness and Your sovereignty, knowing that You work all things together for the good of those who love You and are called according to Your purpose. May Your will be done on earth as it is in heaven, and may Your name be glorified in the calming of these storms. We ask all these things in the precious and mighty name of Jesus Christ, our Lord and Savior. Amen.