Before the Storm: For Hurricane Irene

Hurricane Irene is headed toward the U.S. eastern seaboard. This is a prayer for safety in a storm, written when the blizzard of 2011 kicked into high gear in Chicagoland and reposted here with audio and new optional language shown in [brackets]. To listen as you read, click on the triangle in the bar below. The text follows. For those who’ve already experienced the storm, see “Safety After Violent Weather.”

Before the Storm
G-d of heaven and earth,
Source of All,
The storm [Hurricane Irene] approaches,
A tribute to the force of creation,
Your power and might.

What chaos will blow with the wind?
What destruction will strike?
Who will suffer? Who will stay secure?

G-d of mystery and awe,
Grant us safety as the tempest [this storm][Irene] engulfs our homes and our lives.
Protect us. Shield us. Guard us.
Grant peace of mind to those in fear.
Grant food and clothing,
Warmth and shelter to those in need.
Bless emergency and rescue workers with the tools and skills they need
As they risk their lives for the sake of our families, communities and friends.
Grant healing to those who are sick or injured.
Bless us with common sense throughout the squall [the wind, the rain and the tides]
And with kinship and cooperation when the storm [hurricane] passes.

G-d of awe and wonder,
Our Rock and our Refuge,
See us through the gale
And watch us through the night,
For comfort, security and wellbeing,
So that we may serve You in love.

© 2011 Alden Solovy and tobendlight.com. All rights reserved.

Postscript: This prayer was first posted on February 1, 2011.

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