Last month, Hurricane Helene devastated communities throughout the Southeast. Hundreds of lives were lost. Entire towns were washed away. And throughout the region, lack of roads and resources have made delivering humanitarian aid especially difficult. Now, Hurricane Milton is bringing more disaster to already struggling communities. Even for those far removed from the storm, photos and videos of the aftermath are heavy reminders of the suffering these hurricanes can bring. 

In times like these, we grapple with how quickly life can spiral out of our control. We grieve with family and friends who lost loved ones, homes, and possessions. We seek to support those in need. We worry for those still in harm’s way. We wonder what else we can do.  

God’s Word presents prayer as our first response in both good and bad times: “Pray at all times, be thankful in all circumstances. This is what God wants from you in your life in union with Christ Jesus” (1 Thessalonians 5:17–18 GNT). Whatever we’re experiencing, we can unburden our hearts to our heavenly Father and ask him to intervene.  

As we seek ways to help communities suffering after these catastrophic storms, we invite you to pause with us and pray for those affected.  

Pray for God’s Protection  

Be merciful to me, O God, be merciful,
    because I come to you for safety.
In the shadow of your wings I find protection
    until the raging storms are over. 

Psalm 57:1 GNT 

Father, we pray for all those affected by these hurricanes. For those still in the path of danger, we pray for your protection. Shelter them under the shadow of your wings. Give them strength, courage, and resolve to endure. We pray for the most vulnerable among us, especially those who are elderly, those with small children, and those who cannot easily leave their homes. Keep them safe and provide what they need to make it through the aftermath of these storms. Lord, we pray for first responders and neighbors running into danger to rescue others. Please preserve their lives and bless their efforts to locate missing or stranded people. Thank you, Lord, for the safety we find in you. We pray this in Jesus’s name, Amen.  

Pray for God’s Comfort 

Let your constant love comfort me,
    as you have promised me, your servant. 

Psalm 119:76 GNT 

Father, we ask you to comfort devastated communities. We pray for those who have lost loved ones and are grieving. Draw near to them and help them draw near to you through prayer and through your Word. Equip believers to share your comfort and hope with their neighbors. Give first responders and caregivers grace to offer comfort and support to those suffering great loss. Help churches to mobilize and care for the spiritual needs of their communities as well as the physical needs. We ask that you constantly remind people of your promises, and that many would encounter Christ amid this tragedy. Thank you, Lord, for your promise of comfort and our eternal hope. We pray this in Jesus’s name, Amen. 

Pray for God’s Provision  

“So do not start worrying: ‘Where will my food come from? or my drink? or my clothes?’ (These are the things the pagans are always concerned about.) Your Father in heaven knows that you need all these things.”  

Matthew 6:31–32 GNT  

Father, we pray for disaster survivors who have lost homes, livelihoods, possessions, and security, and we pray for the communities that have been destroyed. May they have the courage to face the long road of rebuilding ahead. Pour out an extra measure of strength for first responders who are working long hours. Help supplies of water, food, and medicine reach communities in dire need. May your church open its doors to the needy, providing meals, shelter, and spiritual support through your Word. We pray for an outpouring of support that will meet every need through the generosity of others. Thank you, Lord, for promising to provide all that we need. In Jesus’s name we pray, Amen.  

Free Disaster Recovery Resources

During and immediately after a disaster, it’s hard to handle lots of information. Download this simple postcard, which can provide some quick reminders and Scripture to help survivors get through the first days: (click to download)

     

 

Later, people may benefit from the biblical wisdom in our Beyond Disaster booklet, available for free at BeyondDisaster.Bible.