# Prayers for the Bahamas
*2019-09-01*

> Bill Young leads a prayer for those affected by the hurricane in the Bahamas, including a special prayer for storms, the Joyful Mysteries of the Rosary, and a novena to St. Jude.

## Opening Prayer for the Storm

We begin by thanking our Lord Jesus for sparing South Florida from a direct hit. We then lift up our friends in the Bahamas, who are currently facing the brunt of the hurricane. Lord Jesus, hear their cries and grant safety to all who are in danger. May those injured be healed and those who have lost loved ones find comfort in Your mercy. Amen.

## The Prayer in the Storm (by Fr. James Martin)

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

Creator God, at the dawn of creation Your Spirit breathed upon the waters, forming the oceans, rivers, wind, and waves. In calm and in storm, You are with us. As the disciples feared on the sea, Jesus walked upon the water and rebuked the storm, showing that even the elements obey Him. We ask You to calm the wind and waves, to spare those in the path of the hurricane, and to guide all to safety. Open our hearts to generosity for those in need in the coming days. Even when life seems dark and stormy, You are in the boat with us, guiding us to safety. Amen.

## The Joyful Mysteries of the Rosary

We pray the Rosary, beginning with the Apostles’ Creed and the Our Father. Each Hail Mary is offered for a specific intention:
• First Hail Mary – hope for the people of the Bahamas, that the storm may be turned away.
• Second Hail Mary – love, that we may love our neighbors and even our enemies.
• Third Hail Mary – peace, that those suffering may find peace of mind and soul.

We then meditate on the five Joyful Mysteries:
1. The Annunciation – humility.
2. The Visitation – love of neighbor.
3. The Nativity – poverty and simplicity.
4. The Presentation – obedience.
5. The Finding of the Child Jesus in the Temple – joy in finding Christ.
Each mystery is followed by an Our Father, a Hail Mary, and a Glory Be, concluding with a prayer for sinners now and at the hour of death.

## Prayer to St. Jude and Closing Intentions

Hail Holy Queen, Mother of Mercy, our hope and our comfort, we turn to you in our distress. May the intercession of St. Jude, patron of hopeless causes, bring aid to the Bahamas. Heavenly Father, fill our hearts with hope, strengthen us with the Holy Spirit, and grant peace to those suffering. May we, as a community, respond with charity—through the Red Cross, Catholic Charities, and other aid efforts—to help those in need.

*In every storm, we trust that Christ walks with us, and we are called to bring His love and aid to those in need.*