Bishop: Prayer As Hurricane Nicole Approaches
Bishop of Bermuda Nicholas Dill is inviting the public to say a prayer as Hurricane Nicole approaches the island, saying as ”we hunker down and prepare ourselves for the arrival and aftermath of Hurricane Nicole there are many difference responses we may have – fear and anxiety for ourselves and our families; for our neighbours and friends, particularly seniors living alone; for those who are homeless or whose shelter may not be as secure as ours; for those at sea and for the helping service, BELCO, the Bermuda Fire Service, Police Service the Bermuda Regiment, broadcasters and Government agencies who are standing by to respond to crises as they unfold. In these circumstances we are invited to pray for them and for us – for peace and protection.
“In our family we are planning games, with books to read and time together – but also to pray. Our Lord, Jesus Christ gave us that great family prayer:
‘Our Father, which art in heaven, hallowed be Thy name!
Thy kingdom come, Thy will be done on earth as it is in heaven.
Give us this day our daily bread
And forgive us our trespasses as we forgive those that trespass against us.
Lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil,
For Thine is the kingdom, the power and the glory forever and ever,
Amen’
“And even tonight as you lie down to sleep a child’s prayer come back to mind:
‘Now I lay me down to sleep.
I pray the Lord my soul to keep.
When in the morning light I wake,
Show me the path of love to take.
Amen’
“You may find it a comfort to read some of the Psalms – Psalm 23, Psalm 121 and specifically Psalm 46 which speaks of God’s care even through the turmoil of our world.
“A final prayer of God’s blessing:
O Lord our heavenly Father, who by your blessed Son has taught us not to be anxious and who calmed the stormy seas, mercifully hear our prayers for our Island home and protect us from and in the midst of this hurricane, relieve us in our distress that our land and its people may be safe and secure in your loving arms. We commit to you all who are lonely, fearful or at risk, all who help and assist those in need. Watch over our neighbours and friends, our homes and families, our pets and animals and may the peace and blessing of God almighty, Father, Son and Holy Spirit be upon us, upon our homes and all that we love now and always,
Amen
For our ongoing live updates on Hurricane Nicole click here, and for all coverage of Nicole click here.
