# A Prayer in the Storm
*2019-07-29*

> Bill Young leads us through Father James Martin’s “Prayer in the Storm,” the Sorrowful Mysteries of the Rosary, and a heartfelt St. Jude prayer as a hurricane approaches the Gulf Coast.

## Opening and the Prayer in the Storm

Good afternoon, I’m Bill Young. Today is Friday, August 29, and a hurricane is forecast to hit our area early next week. A friend from the Legion of Mary sent me a beautiful prayer titled “A Prayer in the Storm,” written by Father James Martin and published in America Magazine (October 28, 2012). We’ll pray it together now.

In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit, amen.

God of the universe, at the dawn of creation your Spirit breathed upon the waters, making them the well‑spring of all holiness. You created the oceans and the rivers, and all life dwells within them. By your word the wind and the waves were formed; the seasons follow your plan, and the tides rise and fall at your command. In both calm and storm you are with us. Even when the disciples feared, Jesus rebuked the storm, showing that the wind and the waves obey Him. Creator God, we ask you to calm the wind and waves of the approaching hurricane. Spare those in its path from harm, bring the afflicted to safety, and open our hearts to generosity for those in need. Help us remember that, even when life seems dark and stormy, you are in the boat with us, guiding us to safety. Amen.

## The Sorrowful Mysteries of the Rosary

We will now pray the Sorrowful Mysteries, beginning with the Apostles’ Creed and the Our Father.

I believe in God, the Father Almighty, Creator of heaven and earth; and in Jesus Christ, His only Son, our Lord, who was conceived by the Holy Spirit, born of the Virgin Mary, suffered under Pontius Pilate, was crucified, died, and was buried. He descended into hell, rose again on the third day, ascended into heaven, and sits at the right hand of the Father. He will come again to judge the living and the dead. I believe in the Holy Spirit, the holy Catholic Church, the communion of saints, the forgiveness of sins, the resurrection of the body, and life everlasting. Amen.

Our Father who art in heaven, hallowed be Thy name; Thy kingdom come; Thy will be done on earth as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread; and forgive us our trespasses, as we forgive those who trespass against us; and lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil. Amen.

**First Mystery – The Agony in the Garden** (Hope)
Hail Mary, full of grace, the Lord is with thee; blessed art thou among women, and blessed is the fruit of thy womb, Jesus. Holy Mother of God, pray for us sinners now and at the hour of our death. Amen.

**Second Mystery – The Scourging at the Pillar** (Love)
Hail Mary, full of grace… (same prayer).

**Third Mystery – The Crowning with Thorns** (Peace)
Hail Mary, full of grace… (same prayer).

**Fourth Mystery – The Carrying of the Cross** (Patience)
Hail Mary, full of grace… (same prayer).

**Fifth Mystery – The Crucifixion** (Redemption)
Hail Mary, full of grace… (same prayer).

Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit, as it was in the beginning, is now, and ever shall be, world without end. Amen.

Oh my Jesus, forgive us our sins, save us from the fires of hell, and lead our souls to heaven, especially those who most need your mercy. Amen.

## St. Jude Prayer for Hope

We conclude with a prayer to St. Jude, asking that he fill our hearts with hope as we face the storm.

Heavenly Father, I am your humble servant, and I come before you today in need of hope. When I feel weak and hopeless, fortify me with the grace of your Holy Spirit and guide me in the light of your love. Grant me the peace that comes from trusting in your presence, your love, and your strength. I trust that St. Jude is by my side. Through all the challenges of my life, intercede for me before the Lord. St. Jude, fill my heart with hope. Amen.

## Closing Thoughts

I pray that the hurricane turns northward, away from populated areas, and dissipates over the open ocean. May God keep everyone safe, and may we respond to this trial with generosity and trust in His providence. God bless you all.

*Even in the fiercest storms, God is with us, guiding us to safety and filling us with hope.*