In times like this, as Hurricane Milton is bearing down on Tampa Bay, we naturally gravitate to sitting around watching the news, refreshing the readings from the National Hurricane Center, and heeding every word from Dennis Phillips. And we’re thankful for all of that—especially Dennis Phillips.
And yet, we are told to bring even our greatest worries and deepest fears not just to our family and friends and Facebook feed, but to God.
While there are many people to check in on and rightful preparations to make, here are 5 simple promises you can pray during the storm:
Father, first off, we thank you that even amidst the anxiety that comes with this impending storm, you will keep our hearts and minds in perfect peace when we remain fixed on you.
Isaiah 26:3 (NKJV) promises us this: You will keep him in perfect peace, whose mind is stayed on You, because he trusts in You.
And Philippians 4:6-7 (CSB) encourages our weary hearts with this word: Don’t worry about anything, but in everything, through prayer and petition with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus.
In order to remain fixed on God throughout the next few days, here are some ideas, even if and when your power goes out:
- Read your Bible! Particularly, you can read a Psalm of Protection like Psalm 91 or Psalm 23 and put it in your own words in the form of a prayer.
- Download or dust off a Christian book!
- Create a playlist of worship songs to play on repeat. God created music to have a great calming power in our lives! (Here’s mine in Apple Music: https://music.apple.com/us/playlist/worship/pl.u-8aAVXvqCaNe4vk)
Lord, you’re the God of miracles. So we ask you in faith to weaken, divert, and even dissipate this storm from making landfall.
Jesus told us to pray specifically, boldly, persistently, and with great faith! Throughout the Bible, God can be seen calming storms and miraculously intervening in nature to protect his people.
Look at what he told his disciples about exercising our faith, in Mark 11:22-24 (CSB) Jesus replied to them, “Have faith in God. Truly I tell you, if anyone says to this mountain, ‘Be lifted up and thrown into the sea,’ and does not doubt in his heart, but believes that what he says will happen, it will be done for him. Therefore I tell you, everything you pray and ask for—believe that you have received it and it will be yours.
And yet, even if he does not intervene, we still trust that He is good. (cf. John 11:25, Daniel 3:18)
We pray for protection, safety, and guidance for our leaders and first responders.
1 Timothy 2:1-3 (CSB) commands us First of all, then, I urge that petitions, prayers, intercessions, and thanksgivings be made for everyone, for kings and all those who are in authority, so that we may lead a tranquil and quiet life in all godliness and dignity. This is good, and it pleases God our Savior.
Times like this ought to make us extremely grateful for those who serve so selflessly, and we are to ask God to give them wisdom and direction to lead us and help keep us safe!
In this storm, help us to love our neighbors well!
Galatians 6:2 CSB tells us we should Carry one another’s burdens; in this way you will fulfill the law of Christ.
One of the beautiful things in the aftermath of suffering is to see many people come together and serve one another. Take care of yourself, but also look out for those around you, particularly those especially vulnerable.
In this storm, may we all be driven to have greater faith in God and reliance upon Him!
Isaiah 43:2 CSB says When you pass through the waters, I will be with you and the rivers will not overwhelm you.
It’s often only when earthly things are stripped away from us that we remember that our deepest need is God himself. Which is why it is often in the hard times of life where many people realize their need for God.
I often think, in times like this, how God could be working all things for good, as Romans 8:28 tells us. And it is namely by revealing himself to us in the storms and trials and difficulties of life.
As C.H. Spurgeon once said: I have learned to kiss the waves that throw me up against the Rock of Ages.
I’m praying that the waves and the waters aren’t nearly as strong as forecasted this week. Regardless, may we all come to lean upon God a little deeper, through it all.