Praying for a safe hurricane season

Let us pray, and let us start ahead of the wind and rain! Strong winds and heavy rains usually cause destruction to life and property; hills may invade the valleys, rivers may overflow their banks, livestock, people and houses, et cetera. maybe washed away. Recovery can be a long, costly and painful process. As they say, ‘prevention is better than cure! Let’s pray! Need I say more?

Yes, I must say this: the 2025 Atlantic hurricane season is here. In alphabetical order they are: Andrea, Barry, Chantal, Dexter, Erin, Fernand, Gabrielle, Humberto, Imelda, Jerry, Karen, Lorenzo, Melissa, Nestor, Olga, Pablo, Rebekah, Sebastien, Tanya, Van, and Wendy. Don’t think that these names are an indication of their intensity, but we must pray intensely that should they land on our island, they will not devastate us!

Our prayers must be soaked in honesty, decency and high morality. We must break up our “fallow ground” and “pray (hard) without ceasing” Otherwise we could be in big trouble during this season. I am no profit of doom. Just trying to help. Most persons are in the habit of praying after the fact or during a crisis. While the Master may respond to those prayers with a desperately needed solution, from experience, I know that He takes greater pleasure in answering the prayers of those who are constantly connected to Him through daily prayers.

The Bible is littered with examples of persons who received answers to their prayers because of their ‘pray-without-ceasing’ attitude to prayer. Yes, that works. Stick a pin though, this ‘praying-without-ceasing attitude’ may not be sufficient to get answers to your prayers. As a matter of fact, that could be a source of frustration. The Prayer-Answering God who seems to be “hard of hearing” when it comes to responding to some prayers, no matter how long, loud and spirted they maybe, oftentimes takes into consideration, the condition of the prayer’s heart when responding to his prayer. If the prayer’s heart is tainted by unforgiveness or bitterness etc., that prayer may not be heard. Is there someone that you need to forgive? Do it now!

When our prayers are combined with morality, individuals can experience a deeper sense of peace, purpose, and connection with God.

Factors that may impact the effectiveness and quality of our prayers may include internal conditions like mental wandering or preoccupation with “worldliness”.

Lack of faith, unaddressed sin or guilt can create a sense of distance from God and weaken one’s faith, ultimately nullifying their effort.

External factors like noise, interruptions, or unsuitable surroundings can disrupt one’s prayer focus. Praying and “watching” can also impact our prayers negatively. So for best results, when praying, don’t watch the time as this compromises the quality and effectiveness of the prayer.

Other things that can impact our prayers are anxiety, lack of “Word knowledge, spiritual inconsistencies, strained relationships and unresolved conflicts with our neighbours! Fix that!

As we engage prayer at this time, preparation is key to it’s effectiveness: identify a quiet, distraction-free space. Allocate a specific time for prayer, free from interruptions. Reflect on your relationship with God, and seek to align your heart with His will.

Begin your prayer with expressions of thanks for God’s blessings and goodness. Clearly articulate your requests, concerns, and praises. Reference relevant Bible phrases, verses, or themes as you pray, and share your true thoughts, feelings, and concerns with God.

And remember, humbleness of heart in prayer not only strenghtens your prayer, it places your prayer on the Master’s ‘high priority to-do list’. And do not forget His sovereingty, wisdom, and knowledge, as you allow Him to answer your prayer the way He chooses. Be assured, His choice of answer is always the best for you.

While He is noted for “giving peace in the midst of the storm”, of note, He takes pleasure in giving peace before the storm. May we have a safe hurricane season.

Without delay, therefore, let us pray!

KINDLY HELP A NEIGHBOUR WITH ONE OF THE FOLLOWING

1. Stove

2. Refrigerator

3. Bed

4. Food

5. Help with medication

6. Financial assistance to start a little business

To help, please call Silton Townsend @ 876 649-9636 or deposit in acct #351 044 276 NCB. Alternatively, send donations to Hello Neighbour C/o 53 Half-Way Tree Road, Kingston 10; Paypal/credit card: email: zicron22@yahoo.com. Contact email: helloneighbour@yahoo.com. Visit hellomineighbourja.blogspot.com. Townsend exclusively manages the collections and distributions mentioned in this column and is neither an employee nor agent of The Gleaner.