A Prayer of Repentance and Mercy as the Storm Approaches

Almighty Father, we are once again being confronted by the manifestation of your wrath and eternal power as this unrelenting and fierce storm approaches. (Romans 1:18-20).

We confess that so often we do not get the message - we dismiss the storm as “mother nature”. If we acknowledge you in any way, it is typically in the form of a charge against you; accusing you of bringing such unjust and cruel devastation down upon the undeserving and innocent. (Psalm 18:26).  But where were our praises and offerings of thanksgiving on the days of safety and peace? Is it not our failure to honor you as God and to give you thanks the reason such storms come our way? (Romans 1:21). Are they not brought upon us for this purpose: to arouse and awaken us to the reality of our sin; to expose our pride and frailty and to turn our eyes upon a loving God who calls out to a deaf and defiant world with arms stretched out? (Jeremiah 6:19; Ezekiel 18:23; Luke 13:34; Romans 10:21) Father, there are none who are innocent or good. (Romans 3:9-10) We have all sinned and fallen short of your glory. (Romans 3:23) We all have gone astray and chosen a path that pleases us}

Forgive us of our manifold sins and our pride. Forgive us for our love of money, pleasures and possessions; of the particular sins of abortion, pornography, adultery, fornication, homosexuality; of neglecting the fatherless, the widow, the poor, and the least of those among us. Send Holy Spirit upon our hearts to convict us of these and many other violations of your Holy Law. And in convicting us, we also ask that you would humble, comfort and heal us with the gospel of your grace in Jesus. (John 1:14; Hebrews 4:16; James 4:6)

We can only look unto you and appeal to your great mercy and enduring love. (Psalm 25:6, 103:8). Grant repentance and faith! Soften hearts and open blind eyes! Help us to respond rightly to the warning message this storm brings in repentance and turning our eyes to Jesus who endured the fierce storm of your wrath on the cross! May we heed the warning and look unto you. (Jeremiah 36:7)

We also appeal to your great and abundant mercy on behalf of those who have already experienced your heavy hand of wrath through this awful storm. May they now experience the gentleness of your Fatherly hand. May your kindness and mercy surround them and turn every eye to our loving and merciful Savior.