Prayers for Natural Disasters

O God, Creator of this world in which we live: we pray for all in Florida who have suffered from the effects of Hurricane Milton.  We bring before you especially:

• Those who have died because of the hurricane’s damaging conditions, and for those who remain missing
• For those whose property has been destroyed or damaged by winds, rains, tidal flooding, and tornadoes
• Those outside of the affected areas anxious for the welfare of family and friends
• Those who now are unemployed because of destruction or damage to workplaces
• Those who have lost electricity and mobile phone connections
• The immense clean-up and repair work as the storm departs
• Protection for all victims dealing with harmful influences that try to take advantage of their vulnerable condition

We give thanks for the tireless and unselfish work of

• Members of law enforcement at every level, and all first responders, who have risked their lives to protect others, and who keep order in damaged areas
• For the response efforts at the federal, state and local governmental agencies and leaders
• For all utility workers, emergency assistance providers and volunteers in their labors
• People and businesses around this nation, and others on a global level in their generous support
• For faithful people and churches providing support in praying for and sharing in their needs
• Those providing medical and mental health care for hurricane victims

By the grace of the Holy Spirit, give perseverance, peace and wisdom in the near and long term as the people of Florida rebuild their lives in every way, through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

Please join in praying for all who have suffered loss and hardship from the effects of Hurricane Helene. And, as you have suffered loss, know that you are surrounded by intercessors holding you close.

If you are moved to provide financial support, consider a donation to Episcopal Relief and Development (www.episcopalrelief.org).

O God, most gracious Creator, we pray for your unbounded mercy and grace for all who are suffering from the effects of Hurricane Helene. We pray especially for:

• The repose of the souls of all who have died from the direct effects of the hurricane, and for those who were lost to tidal surge and to sever flooding, and for those who grieve the loss of loved ones.
• Those survivors, who have lost loved ones, homes, businesses and who are out of work.
• Those who are suffering from lack of water, food, medication, and communication.
• Those whose utilities are out of service, whose roads and bridges have been washed away, who have no transportation.
• For those faithful to God whose places of worship have been damaged or destroyed.
• For all who govern as they plan and act on immediate needs and look to the future of the people they serve.

We turn to you, O God, for wisdom, encouragement and strength through the power of the Holy Spirit for:

• The safety of all who are providing emergency assistance for immediate needs.
• Those workers restoring roads, utilities and phone service.
• Those providing mental health services and trauma counseling.
• Those providing spiritual support and prayer for victims and worker alike.
• Those elected and appointed officials who must calculate the expense of rebuilding, restoring and strengthening from the immense damage of this hurricane, and preparing for other storms to come.
• For the people of this nation to be prepared for the economic impact of this storm, and to be ready to sacrifice for the work to be done.

By your Holy Spirit, almighty God, give us the will to persevere in this crisis, and to trust in your abundant mercy and provision, in the Name of Jesus Christ. Amen.

For those whose lives are in harm's way,
dear Lord protect them under the shadow of your wings.

For those who have been injured or whose loved ones have been killed,
     dear Lord comfort them under the shadow of your wings.

For those who rescue and bring aid,
     dear Lord guard them under the shadow of your wings.

For those who seek courage to face an uncertain future,
     dear Lord renew their strength under the shadow of your wings.

May God's face shine on us and be gracious to us,
     that the shadow of God's wings may give us strength and courage!

May God look on us with favor and give us peace,
     that the shadow of God's wings may enfold us in love. Amen.

---Bill Gilmore, Former AFP Treasurer

O God, the Creator of all life, and of this world in which we live: we pray for wisdom and discernment during this summer season as we face into the global climate crisis.

We call to mind the words of the Psalmist: “O LORD, how manifold are your works! in wisdom. You have made them all; the earth is full of your creatures.” You called us from the beginning to be good stewards of your creation. We confess before you that, in countless ways, we have not been obedient to your command. We have not honored you in the best use of the works of your hands.

And now, o God, more than ever before we face into the con sequences of the human misuse of and disregard for the natural environment. The weather has become extreme and violent, and we struggle to manage the climate crisis. The people in every part of this world must live with historic heat waves, severe storms and massive typhoons and hurricanes, and unsurpassed flooding. We confess our helplessness as we struggle with the rise of sea levels and water temperature.

We pray for all who have died in this climate crisis: those who cannot handle heat extremes at home or in outdoor work. We grieve for your creatures on land and in the sea whose survival is threatened. Forests are on fire around the world and are challenging to control. we pray for the safety of all who fight these wildfires.

Have mercy, o God, on us and all of the created order. Help us, by the grace of your Holy Spirit, to use our minds to strive for ways to manage the climate crisis. Hold the leaders of the nations to account for the policies they set, or fail to set, for stewardship of creation.

And give each of us the courage and will to do our part individually and in community to promote the best use of your creation. Empower us all to work for the healing of this good Earth and to help others find hope in the ministry of environmental stewardship. Amen.