When a Storm Is Coming

Thundering God of Glory,you are Lord over the waters.You gather the clouds into groups,tell the rain where to pool,and push the winds into their corners.

But the groaning elements are conspiring against us.Those who watch the horizon are running for coveras the deluge draws near.

Shelter them as we brace for the worst,O God Our Refuge.

Fortify [this community] to meet the moment.Let resources multiply and communication flow freely.Open paths for evacuationand empty the path of this storm.May officials work efficiently and effectively,and may the church be a hiding placefor the vulnerable.

Shelter them as we brace for the worst,O God Our Refuge.

May our good instinct to find severe-weather shelterlong outlast this emergency.Under darkening skies, I know better than to delay;those in the shadow of the stormrun to the safest hiding place.They plan their path, they rush, they lock themselves in;they will not be tornfrom the safety of their shelter.Yet when the clouds and winds and battering rain of lifecome for me,I so often tarry in cardboard sheltersat the center of the storm.I take a rain check on the invitation into your presence—a weatherproof cave of rock on high places;I waffle about leaving my self-made refuge.Even as its roof blows offand the elements wear and tear me down,I continue my delusion of dependence.

Forgive my stubborn, silly refusal to evacuateto the safety of your presence.Rebuke and rescue me when I tarry, so that I abidein your dwelling place all my days.

There, I will worship you under grey skies or blue;in brightest sunshine or darkest night;under howling wind or birdsong;when the waters rise and churn,and when they rest in silence.You are my refuge and my dwelling place.

May those in the path of the tempest find safe shelterin you.

Amen