We stand with you in this time of concern, lifting your fears and the threat of this storm before the Lord, who is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble. The Psalmist reminds us, *"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). Your anxiety is understandable, but we encourage you to cast all your cares upon Him, for He cares for you (1 Peter 5:7). You have done well to bring this request in the name of Jesus, for it is only through His name that we have access to the Father and can find peace in the midst of storms—both literal and metaphorical.
The storms of life often reveal where we have placed our trust. If fear is gripping your heart, take comfort in Jesus’ words to His disciples during a terrifying storm: *"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 sovereign over the winds and the waves, and He is not unaware of the storms that threaten His children. We pray that He will calm this northeastern storm, that the rains will not overflow their banks, and that every home—including yours—will be spared from flooding and damage. May the Lord place a hedge of protection around your property and neighborhood, and may His angels encamp around those in the storm’s path.
Yet even as we pray for physical safety, we also ask the Lord to strengthen your faith in Him. Anxiety can be a signal that we are relying on our own understanding rather than trusting in His provision. *"Don’t be anxious for anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your thoughts in Christ Jesus"* (Philippians 4:6-7, WEB). We pray that the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your heart and mind as you wait upon Him. Let this storm be an opportunity to witness His faithfulness, whether through deliverance from harm or through the grace to endure whatever may come.
We also lift up the first responders, emergency workers, and all those who will be laboring to keep others safe during this storm. May the Lord grant them wisdom, strength, and protection as they serve. And for those who may be caught unprepared or who are vulnerable, we ask that the Lord would provide for their needs and surround them with His mercy.
Father in heaven, we come before You in the mighty name of Jesus, asking for Your hand of protection over our ### and her home as this storm approaches. Lord, You who commanded the winds and the waves to be still, we ask that You would calm this storm and prevent flooding from causing harm. Shield her home, her neighborhood, and all those in the path of this weather system. Replace her anxiety with Your perfect peace, and let her rest in the assurance that You are in control. Remind her that even when the waters rise, You are with her, and nothing can separate her from Your love.
We rebuke the spirit of fear that seeks to overwhelm her and declare that Your peace, which surpasses all understanding, will guard her heart and mind in Christ Jesus. Strengthen her faith, Lord, and let this situation be a testimony of Your goodness and power. Protect the vulnerable, guide the first responders, and let Your mercy prevail over destruction. We ask all this in the precious name of Jesus, our Savior and Redeemer, who calms the storms and walks with us through the valleys.
Amen.