My friends,

As Hurricane Ida approaches, we find ourselves in a familiar, yet nonetheless significant time of worry and fear. This is especially true as the storm will make landfall on the 16th anniversary of Hurricane Katrina. I read this prayer this morning and wanted to share it with you.

Heavenly Father, we ask you to calm the wind and the waves of the approaching hurricane, and spare those in its path from harm. Help those who are in its way to reach safety. Open our hearts and minds in generosity to all who need help in the coming days. In all things, in all ways, and in all times, help us to never forget that even when our journey through this life seems dark and stormy, you are in the boat with us, guiding us to safety.–Amen.
(prayer modified and shared from a post in 2012 by J. Martin)

Please remember to make preparations, evacuate if needed, heed to warnings of local officials and forecasters, and make sure that you are connected with others who can help you in time of greatest need. In addition, we as the diocese will draw together to support one another. It is what we do best.

I offer my continued prayers and will be in touch as we move through this storm.

Blessings,

The Rt. Rev. Morris K. Thompson, Jr.
Bishop of Louisiana