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A Hymn for Those Devastated by Hurricanes and Violent Storms

O God of All Creation

AURELIA 7.6.7.6 D (“The Church’s One Foundation”)

O God of all creation, as ocean waters warm,
we grieve the devastation that comes with violent storms.
We pray for people struggling — who need your help and grace
on every flooded island and in each flooded place.

We pray for all your children, so dearly loved by you,
who know such great destruction as winds and rains crash through.
We pray for all those hurting, who grieve for what is gone — 
for neighbors, friends and siblings who struggle to go on.

We pray, O Lord, for churches that help to build anew.
We pray for rescue workers and all the good they do.
We pray for those with vision who serve as they restore — 
who make homes more efficient and stronger than before.

O Christ who calmed the waters and stilled the stormy seas,
You teach us: “Love your neighbors!”  and “Humbly care for these!”
Now lead us by your Spirit to gladly lend a hand — 
on every struggling island and in each hurting land.

Tune: Samuel Sebastian Wesley, 1864 (MIDI) Text: Copyright © 2022 by Carolyn Winfrey Gillette. All rights reserved.
Permission is given for free use of this hymn to support relief efforts.

Author’s note: This hymn was written to help churches support the relief efforts in response to the flooding in Puerto Rico and nearby islands, Pakistan, and Alaska.

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