Prayer during a Thunderstorm

Thou strong, Thou almighty God! I hear Thy voice in the clouds, I see Thy lightnings flash, and hear Thy thunders roar and roll. Mighty is Thy arm, and great is Thy power! and if Thou desiredst it, Thou couldest in one moment strike me and all men and all Thy creatures to the earth. But O Lord, Lord, remember Thy tender mercies and Thy loving-kindnesses; for they have been ever of old. Remember not the sins of my youth, nor my transgressions: according to Thy mercy remember Thou me for Thy goodness’ sake, O Lord. O rebuke me not in Thine anger, neither chasten me in Thy hot displeasure. I acknowledge in all humility of heart, that I have richly deserved that Thou in Thy righteous wrath shouldst strike and destroy me. But O, Thou long-suffering God, spare me in this storm. Have mercy upon me, O God, according to Thy loving kindness: according unto the multitude of Thy tender mercies blot out my transgressions.

I lament and am heartily sorry that hitherto I have so often offended Thee by thoughts and words and deeds. And I pray Thee for mercy and the forgiveness of all my sins and transgressions. Consider, O heavenly Father, that I am Thy creature and Thy child. And whither shall children go in their need and anxiety but to their father? Therefore I come to Thee, my Father, and pray Thee, be merciful to me, Thy child. O Father, protect me, shield me, preserve me. Under the shadow of Thy wings I seek refuge; hide me in Thy pavilion, place an angel guard around me, that no harm may touch me, no bolt strike me.

O Lord Jesus, Thou Son of God, my only Mediator, Intercessor, and Saviour, be not far from me; for trouble is near. Make haste to help me; be my strong Defense; leave me not, neither forsake me, O God of my salvation. Behold, all help from creatures and men is vain; but O, do not Thou forsake me. Have mercy upon me and deliver me. I cling to Thee, O Jesus, I hide in Thy holy wounds, I cry out with the disciples, Lord, save us, we perish.

O blessed Holy Spirit, stir up my heart to prayer and true devotion, that I may be awakened and made better by this storm. Grant that henceforth I may pay heed when Thou knockest at my heart through Thy holy Word, and callest on me to repent, to be converted, and to shun all manner of sin. Let me gladly hear Thy voice and not be conformed to this world by sinful conversation and conduct.

O Holy Trinity, have mercy upon me and upon all pious Christians. Shield my body and life, my house and home with Thy almighty hand; preserve the fruits in the field; let not lightning set fire to my house, nor its bolt strike me. Be Thou my Stay in trouble; for vain is the help of man. O mighty Defender of Thy children, look in mercy upon me, and let me dwell in safety beneath Thy defense and protection. When Thy thunder rolls, the mountains shake and the earth trembles; is it any wonder then, that I poor worm tremble before Thee? Let me recognize the transient character of the world, and remember that all visible things shall be destroyed with fire; so that I may not offend Thee by yielding to the lust of the flesh, the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life.

O Lord, preserve me from sudden and evil death; let this storm pass by harmless. O God, who is like Thee, glorious in holiness, fearful in praises, doing wonders, and yet so merciful and gracious? O spare me, and let me once more find grace and deliverance. Lord God, the Father in heaven, have mercy upon us. Lord God the Son, Redeemer of the world, have mercy upon us. Lord God the Holy Ghost, have mercy upon us. Be gracious unto us; spare us, good Lord. Be gracious unto us; help us, good Lord. From all calamity by fire and water, good Lord, deliver us. From sudden and evil death, good Lord, deliver us. Amen.