When the disciples’ boat was caught in a storm on the Sea of Galilee, Jesus was asleep in the stern. They woke him with a frightened question: “Master, carest thou not that we perish?” He calmed the wind with a word. That question, and his answer, have been part of storm prayers ever since.
Historical Context
A Prayer for Those in the Path of a Storm
Lord, a storm is coming, and people are afraid.
Turn it aside or weaken it if you will.
Protect everyone in its path:
families who stayed and those who fled,
the elderly, the sick and the poor who couldn’t leave.
Keep homes standing, power lines up and water out.
Peace, be still.
Mary, Star of the Sea, pray for them.
Amen.
For Evacuees
Lord, bless those on crowded roads and in shelters.
Give them safe travel, a place to sleep and peace of mind.
Amen.
For First Responders and Line Crews
Lord, protect rescue teams, linemen and road crews who work in the worst of it.
Amen.
After the Storm
Lord, the storm has passed and the damage is real.
Comfort those who lost homes or loved ones.
Move neighbours to help each other, and help us rebuild.
Amen.
Best Times for This Prayer
- When a hurricane or severe storm warning is issued.
- During landfall.
- In the days of cleanup and recovery.
Scripture Connection
“He maketh the storm a calm, so that the waves thereof are still. Then are they glad because they be quiet; so he bringeth them unto their desired haven.” — Psalm 107:29-30
Psalm 107 describes people at their wits’ end in a storm, crying out to God, and being brought to safe harbour. It’s a prayer as well as a promise.
Related prayers
For storms, see the Catholic Prayer for Storms and the Weather Prayer. For linemen, the Lineman’s Prayer.