God our creator,
in the beginning your Spirit moved over the face of the waters; the wind blew, and the waves of the ocean were stirred. We ask you now to calm the wind and waves of Hurricane Florence, as Jesus calmed the storm on the Sea of Galilee. Enable those in the path of the storm to reach safety, and spare them from all harm. Strengthen emergency workers and stay with them as they respond in threatening situations. Give courage and hope to those who are most vulnerable, especially the poor who have few resources, the elderly and infirm, and all who are alone. Fulfill your promise and be with us when we pass through the waters, so that they will not overwhelm us. All this we ask in the Name of the Lord of Life, Jesus Christ. Amen.