Psalms and Prayers in the Storm
When hurricanes, tornadoes, and other storms come our way, we naturally become afraid. These forces are so much stronger than we are, and we tremble in awe and fear for our lives and those around us. During these times, we can find comfort in the Lord of all creation, who not only has spoken out of the whirlwind (Job 38) but who has calmed the stormy sea (Matthew 8:23-27).
For this reason, the Anglican Compass team has compiled a list of prayers from the Psalms and the Book of Common Prayer that believers can use during storms and hurricanes. We invite you to join us in praying for those these storms affect as they seek to recover and rebuild.
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Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.
From the Psalms
Psalm 107:23-32
Some went down to the sea in ships,
doing business on the great waters;
they saw the deeds of the LORD,
his wondrous works in the deep.
For he commanded and raised the stormy wind,
which lifted up the waves of the sea.
They mounted up to heaven; they went down to the depths;
their courage melted away in their evil plight;
they reeled and staggered like drunken men
and were at their wits’ end.
Then they cried to the LORD in their trouble,
and he delivered them from their distress.
He made the storm be still,
and the waves of the sea were hushed.
Then they were glad that the waters were quiet,
and he brought them to their desired haven.
Let them thank the LORD for his steadfast love,
for his wondrous works to the children of man!
Let them extol him in the congregation of the people,
and praise him in the assembly of the elders.
Psalm 65:5-8
By awesome deeds you answer us with righteousness,
O God of our salvation,
the hope of all the ends of the earth
and of the farthest seas;
the one who by his strength established the mountains,
being girded with might;
who stills the roaring of the seas,
the roaring of their waves,
the tumult of the peoples,
so that those who dwell at the ends of the earth are in awe at your signs.
You make the going out of the morning and the evening to shout for joy.
Psalm 93
The LORD reigns; he is robed in majesty;
the LORD is robed; he has put on strength as his belt.
Yes, the world is established; it shall never be moved.
Your throne is established from of old;
you are from everlasting.
The floods have lifted up, O LORD,
the floods have lifted up their voice;
the floods lift up their roaring.
Mightier than the thunders of many waters,
mightier than the waves of the sea,
the LORD on high is mighty!
Your decrees are very trustworthy;
holiness befits your house,
O LORD, forevermore.
Praying from the 1662 Book of Common Prayer: International Edition
Prayers to Be Used in Storms at Sea
O most powerful and glorious Lord God, at whose command the winds blow and lift up the waves of the sea, and who stillest the rage thereof: We thy creatures, but miserable sinners, do in this our great distress cry unto thee for help. Save, Lord, or else we perish. We confess when we have been safe and seen all things quiet about us, we have forgot thee our God, and refused to hearken to the still voice of thy word and to obey thy commandments. But now we see how terrible thou art in all thy works of wonder, the great God to be feared above all. And therefore we adore thy Divine Majesty, acknowledging thy power and imploring thy goodness. Help, Lord, and save us for thy mercy’s sake in Jesus Christ thy Son, our Lord. Amen.
O most glorious and gracious Lord God, who dwellest in heaven but beholdest all things below: Look down, we beseech thee, and hear us, calling out of the depth of misery, and out of the jaws of this death which is ready now to swallow us up. Save, Lord, or else we perish. The living, the living shall praise thee. O send thy word of command to rebuke the raging winds and the roaring sea, that we, being delivered from this distress, may live to serve thee and to glorify thy name all the days of our life. Hear, Lord, and save us, for the infinite merits of our blessed Saviour, thy son, our Lord Jesus Christ. Amen.
Praying from the Book of Common Prayer (2019)
In Times of Natural Disaster
Almighty God, by your Word you laid the foundations of the earth, set the bounds of the sea, and still the wind and waves. Surround us with your grace and peace, and preserve us through this storm. By your Spirit, lift up those who have fallen, strengthen those who work to rescue or rebuild, and fill us with the hope of your new creation; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
Anglican Response to Storms
Anglicans from all over the world contribute to a global effort called The Anglican Relief and Development Fund (ARDF). The ARDF supports local churches serving their communities after a crisis, committing resources, and connecting volunteers to training and opportunities to serve. They also stand by their partners for the long haul, knowing that the impact of a disaster always outlives the world’s attention. The US branch of the ARDF also has a Domestic Disaster Response Network, connecting dioceses and parishes all over the nation whenever a crisis strikes. Visit the ARDF website to find out how to join their efforts or request aid!
Image: Wrath of the Seas by Ivan Aivazovsky (1886). Courtesy of Wikimedia Commons.
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