Many congregations are cancelling their worship services this weekend. This resource can be used for individual or communal prayer. Using resources available from the ELCA, inspired by a liturgy developed by Kindred Community in Texas.
Liturgy in time of Storm 2017–download a printable PDF version of this liturgy
“An Ever Present Help in Trouble”
Liturgy during a storm
Florida-Bahamas Synod
September, 2017
This liturgy can be used by an individual, family or community
A candle may be lit
GATHERING
Jesus Christ is the light of the world
The light no darkness can overcome
God is our light and our salvation
Our refuge and our stronghold
OPENING PRAYER
Merciful God,
when the storms rage and threaten to overtake us, awaken our faith to know the power of your peace. Deliver us from our fear and ease our anxiety. Help us to endure the time of uncertainty
and give us strength to face the challenges ahead. Give us the assurance of your presence even in this time so that we can cling to your promise of hope and life shown to us through Jesus Christ, our Savior and Lord. Amen. Amen
LITANY
O Lord, when the waters rage and foam,
Still the storms and grant us your peace.
When the gift of creation becomes burden,
Still the storms and grant us your peace.
When our fears threaten to overtake us,
Still the storms and grant us your peace.
Speak your word to the wind and to the sea,
Fill us with faith.
Show us your care in the service of others,
Fill us with compassion.
Make the joy of your peace overflow in our lives,
Fill us with hope.
PSALM 46 (Read aloud)
God is our refuge and strength,
A very present help in trouble.
Therefore, we will not fear, though the earth should change,
Though the mountains shake in the heart of the sea;
Though its waters roar and foam,
Though the mountains tremble with its tumult.
Selah
There is a river whose streams make glad the city of God,
The holy habitation of the Most High.
God is in the midst of the city; it shall not be moved;
God will help it when the morning dawns.
The nations are in an uproar, the kingdoms totter;
He utters his voice, the earth melts.
The Lord of hosts is with us;
The God of Jacob is our refuge.
Selah
Come, behold the works of the Lord;
See what desolations he has brought on the earth.
He makes wars cease to the end of the earth;
He breaks the bow, and shatters the spear;
He burns the shields with fire.
‘Be still, and know that I am God!
I am exalted among the nations,
I am exalted in the earth.’
The Lord of hosts is with us;
The God of Jacob is our refuge.
Selah
GOSPEL (read aloud)
Mark 4:35-41
On that day, when evening had come, he said to them, “Let us go across to the other side.” And leaving the crowd behind, they took him with them in the boat, just as he was. Other boats were with him. A great gale arose, and the waves beat into the boat, so that the boat was already being swamped. But he was in the stern, asleep on the cushion; and they woke him up and said to him, ‘Teacher, do you not care that we are perishing?” He woke up and rebuked the wind, and said to the sea, “Peace! Be still!” Then the wind ceased, and there was a dead calm. He said to them, “Why are you afraid? Have you still no faith?” and they were filled with great awe and said to one another, “Who then is this, that even the wind and the sea obey him?”
SILENCE
We leave space for the Spirit to speak
PRAYERS
Together we pray for our world, the church, and those in need…
Loving God, in the communion of Christ, we are joined with the trials and sufferings of all.
Be with those who endure the winds and rains of Hurricane Irma. Protect those in the path of danger. Provide assistance to those who need help. Ease the fears of all and make your presence known in the stillness of your peace;
Compassionate God,
Thank you for hearing us.
Gracious God, you are our refuge and strength, a very present help in time of trouble. Continue to strengthen and sustain all those impacted by Hurricane Harvey, floods in Nepal and India, wildfires and other natural disasters. Reveal to all your healing hope and love. As one community on earth bound together by your grace, inspire us to pray, serve, and help all those who suffer.
Compassionate God,
Thank you for hearing us.
God of earth and air, water and fire, height and depth, we pray for those who work in danger, who rush in to bring hope and help and comfort when others flee to safety, whose mission is to seek and save, serve and protect, and whose presence embodies the protection of the Good Shepherd. Give them caution and concern for one another, so that in safety they may do what must be done, under your watchful eye. Support them in their courage and dedication.
Compassionate God,
Thank you for hearing us.
God of all creation, while we get overwhelmed with and focused on our own needs and anxieties, we do not cease to remember those in need of prayer beyond us—the sick, the lonely, the heartbroken, the hungry, and those living in fear. We pray especially for those whose names we speak aloud or hold in our hearts now…
Compassionate God,
Thank you for hearing us.
Into your hands, O Lord, we commend all for whom we pray, trusting in your never-ending love and presence. In the name of Jesus Christ, our salvation and hope.
Amen.
BLESSING AND SENDING
The peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, keep our hearts and our minds in Christ Jesus. Amen
Almighty God, the Father, Son + and Holy Spirit bless and preserve us. Amen.
The candle may be extinguished. If you are with others, share a sign of Christ’s peace.
Liturgy adapted from the ©Evangelical Lutheran Church in America; opening prayer from the staff, students and faculty of Wartburg Seminary
Permission is granted to reproduce this material for local, non-sale use only.
