No Ordinary Hurricane

Never has a hurricane like Harvey hit the coast of Texas before. Flattening Rockport as it hit the coast, it has not yet stopped causing devastation. Those that felt safe initially are now finding themselves in the most dangerous position – massive rainfall and widespread flooding. The greater Houston area has thousands homeless, many of whom are dealing with food and water shortages. The news is reporting that it isn’t over yet. It’s hard to imagine that it could be worse. It is important at times like this to let Christ rise within us, and let His love and light shine though us as we pray and help in any way we can. The world is not just watching the drama unfold in Texas, they are watching to see what the Christian conservative response is going to be, as that is the state’s reputation.

“But this will be your opportunity to tell them about me.” (Luke 21:13; NLT)

Give Him 15 minutes in prayer:

  • Intercede for every person in need tonight. Ask God for grace and pray that help gets to where it is most needed.
  • Intercede for all of the hundreds of volunteers. There are local emergency responders, as well as hundreds coming from across Texas and from other states. Governor Abbott called out 12,000 National Guardsmen. Private citizens with trucks and boats have headed to the Gulf. Pastors have opened their churches and many other civic employees and local residents are helping in rescue efforts, as well.
  • Stand in the gap against violence, hate, crime, and other negative attitudes and actions.
  • Ask the Lord to pour His love and miracles out through His Church in the area. Pray that many who are lost would cry out for Jesus to save them in this time of tragedy. Pray that the two would come together.
  • Command the storm to dissipate in Jesus’ Name!

A prayer you can pray:

Father, there are so many in need across the Gulf Coast of Texas tonight. It is overwhelming to watch and even hard to know where to begin to pray. You can see it all and You are able to lead Your people to exactly where they are most needed today. I pray You would provide supernatural grace to the army of volunteers. Keep them safe as they help others to safety. Lord, I stand against demonic actions and attitudes in this crisis. Keep the area safe from criminal activities and any form of hatred and divisiveness. There is no room for that now. Let Your Church be examples of the Believers in every regard, loving and caring for the needs of others, helping in any way they can. I pray that the lost would see Jesus in Your people and ask how they can know Christ. Additionally, I command the storm to cease in Jesus’ Name. Amen.

Today’s decree:

God is able to turn the storms of life, such as Hurricane Harvey, into life-giving, life-changing moments where Christ’s love and care is clearly seen and where many come to know His deep, enduring love.