Assisting Tropical Storm Harvey Victims

A Prayer for Victims of Tropical Storm Harvey

on August 28, 2017

As we watch the flooding and devastation on our screens and check in with family and friends affected by Tropical Storm Harvey, we at the Institute on Religion & Democracy offer prayers for all those affected by the storm’s path. Here is my own prayer for the entire communities—several of which include my own family along the Louisiana Gulf Coast—who are dealing with the wake of this catastrophe.

Almighty God,

We come to you with a heavy heart for Houston and all those communities affected by this storm. While it’s tempting to ask you “Why did this happen?”, we humbly submit to your will and instead ask, Lord, for you to be a beacon of hope among the wreckage.

Grant safety to the men, women, and little children navigating the dangerous flood waters. Strengthen local clergy and congregants as they provide shelter and aid for their communities. Specifically, give wisdom and present resources to pastors and lay leaders working to provide for the physical needs of those who have lost homes, precious belongings, and are possibly separated from their loved ones. Give them courage to minister to the spiritual needs as well.

No doubt considerable fear and anxiety haunt those in affected areas. Grant unshakable peace and rid this storm’s victims of the spirit of fear. Show us all how to respond to the needs of those struggling with frustration and fear, that we may serve you well through your son Jesus Christ.

Amen.

  1. Comment by Therese Rizk on August 28, 2017 at 11:06 pm

    Beautiful prayer, Amen ,amen, I also pray in jeus’Almighty rain the rain stops!

  2. Comment by Chelsen Vicari on August 29, 2017 at 12:54 pm

    Amen to that!

  3. Comment by Chelsen Vicari on August 29, 2017 at 12:55 pm

    Amen to that, Therese!

  4. Comment by Evelyn Brown on August 30, 2017 at 8:29 pm

    What a wonderful perfect prayer.

  5. Comment by Bonnie Wilcox on August 29, 2017 at 12:58 pm

    We are sharing with our congregation in the Twin Cities on Facebook. Thank you.

  6. Comment by Chelsen Vicari on August 29, 2017 at 1:22 pm

    I’m so grateful. Prayer, as well as support and action, is vital right now.

  7. Comment by Rt. Rev. Arslan Ul-Haq on August 29, 2017 at 2:03 pm

    We invite you to Pray for all victims of Hurricane Harvey and other disasters in the world today;
    August 29, 2017

    The Creator of Heaven and Earth and Lord of our lives,
    We come to you with a heavy heart and pray to you for all the people impacted by Hurricane Harvey and other disasters in last several days on this earth. Bring comfort and peace to those who have lost their loved ones. We pray for all who are still at risk on their houses, those in isolated areas and that places where the waters will still impact. Let them know that you are with them.
    We thank you for the skills, patience and training of the search crews who are working so diligently to rescue people. Be their strength and give them encouragement in their labours.
    Give wisdom and courage to the government officials and community leaders faced with difficult decisions when there are no good choices.
    Lord, you are always with us. You are our shelter in the midst of every tragedy. In every situation you and your love stay and surround us. God of mercy, remind us to hold up before you the people impacted by Hurricane Harvey and other disasters in the world not only this day or week, but over the months even years that will be required to rebuild and restore damaged communities.
    These things we pray in the name of Jesus Christ. Amen!

    Right Reverend Arslan Ul-Haq
    Sutlej Reformed Church Of Pakistan
    National Missions Office Bahawalpur.
    http://www.sutlejrcglobal.com

  8. Comment by Gwen Bell on September 3, 2017 at 9:38 am

    What a perfectly beautiful prayer for all who were affected
    by this horrific storm.

  9. Comment by Byrom on September 1, 2017 at 6:20 pm

    Chelsen and all the others who have prayed for my city:

    Thank you for your prayers and support. I’m one of the fortunate Houstonians who stayed high and dry and had no power problems. That’s despite getting 41.6 inches over 5 days at my house in southwest Houston. There are many of us who have watched the enormity of this disaster unfold before our eyes on TV. It’s so overwhelming and almost beyond comprehension. We just look at it, and tell God, “Father, I don’t how to pray for the needs of those who are suffering, or even where to begin to help.”

  10. Comment by Jan on September 2, 2017 at 2:11 pm

    May I share your prayer in our church bulletin tomorrow? You were able to put into words what we are each feeling in our hearts. May God bless you.

  11. Comment by Norma Melendez on September 3, 2017 at 2:25 pm

    Dear! LORD
    Thank you! For you guidance and unconditional love every day.
    Today I have a special request for you.
    LORD! Please! Take care of the victims
    of Hurricane Harvey from the devil.

    Holden tide in this time of pain, anxiety and suffering, The all need you, there are extremely affected emotionally, the no only lost the HOME, But also the Lost Loves one.

  12. Comment by Norma Melendez on September 3, 2017 at 2:31 pm

    LORD! Hold them tide with you, the all suffering extremely, they no only lost their home, but love ones too.
    Give them the strength and comfort that they need. Protect them LORD!
    They need you more then ever.
    Also LORD, take care of the reporters from the new, rescues and volunteer people that working hard every with all those victims, protect them.
    Give to Our President Trump the strength to continue day by day to rebuild Texas again.

  13. Comment by Norma Melendez on September 3, 2017 at 2:34 pm

    THANK YOU! LORD, FOR LISTENING MY SPECIAL REQUEST, I WILL CONTINUE PRAY FOR THE PEACE IN OUR WORLD, DAY BY DAY, LIKE I ALWAYS BEEN.
    I YOUR NAME LORD! WE PRAY FOR THE VICTIMS FROM HURRICANE HARVEY IN TEXAS AND IN LOUISIANA.

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