# Thank you God: prayers for the Bahamas
*2019-09-02*

> Bill Young leads a session of prayer and reflection for those suffering from the devastating effects of a hurricane in the Bahamas.

## Praying for the Bahamas

Good afternoon. This is Bill Young, and welcome to the Prayer and Lunch podcast. Today is Tuesday, September 3rd, and we are continuing our prayers for the Bahamas and for those who are suffering. By the last count I heard, there were five deaths because of the hurricane. While it looks like South Florida has been spared, we must still pray for those who were not so fortunate.

We had prayed for this storm—which was a category five at the time—to dissipate and move into the ocean. It is now down to a category two, which is a good sign. We hope it continues into the Atlantic Ocean without hitting more land so that no more lives or properties are damaged.

## Call to Generosity

Beyond prayer, we must give back to those who suffered devastating losses in the Bahamas. If you look at the local news on Channel 10 ABC in South Florida, they have listed locations in Miami and Dania Beach where you can drop off unused hurricane supplies. I encourage you to look up those addresses and donate food, water, diapers, and medical supplies to those in need.

## A Prayer in the Storm

Because the storm is still ongoing, we begin with a prayer written by Father James Martin. 

'God of the universe, at the dawn of creation, your Spirit breathed on the waters, making them the wellspring of all holiness. You created the oceans and the rivers and all that dwells within them, and at your word, the winds and the waves were born. The seasons follow your plan, and the tides rise and fall on your command. In both calm and in storm, you are with us. On the Sea of Galilee, even when the disciples began to fear, Jesus showed that he was Lord over the water by rebuking the storm, so that all would know that even the wind and the waves obey him. Creator God, we ask you to calm the wind and the waves of the approaching hurricane and spare those in its path from harm. Help those who are seeking safety. Open our hearts to generosity for all who need help in the coming days. And in all things and in all times, help us to remember that even when life seems dark and stormy, You are in the boat with us, guiding us to safety. Amen.'

## The Holy Rosary and Devotions

Since today is Tuesday, we pray the Sorrowful Mysteries of the Rosary. We offer our intentions for hope, that the storm continues to dissipate; for love, that we may love our neighbors; and for peace, for those who had to fight for their lives as the hurricane passed over their homes.

Following the Rosary, we pray the Catena Legionis—the anthem of the Legion of Mary—and a prayer to Saint Jude, asking for hope and strength in the face of life's challenges.

## Closing Gratitude

Thank you, Lord, for the blessing of this storm dissipating and moving down to a category two. We pray that it becomes a regular rain with a little wind and that no one else is hurt. Thank you for protecting our homes, allowing us to keep our electricity, and providing us with food and water, which we will share with those in need.

*Even when life seems dark and stormy, God is in the boat with us, guiding us to safety.*