Praying About the Weather

Praying about the weather is tricky business.  We all have this image of Jesus walking across the water in a storm.  The disciples were in a boat that they were sure was sinking.  When Jesus arrives, He speaks to the storm and the wind is stilled.  A little earlier in the Biblical story we see Noah building a huge boat and God sends the rain by the buckets.  In recent days as a huge and catastrophic winter storm gains strength, some around here are praying for God to push it a little farther north.  Such prayers are understandable, but what does it say about our concern for our northern neighbors?  

Years ago I read about a weather related prayer out of the stream of Celtic spirituality.  The person praying would stand with arms raised toward the east and pray, "In the name of the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit, bless and protect this place and those who live in it."  This part of the prayer is followed by turning to the south, the west, and then the north repeating the prayer each time.  It is a prayer I have often prayed from the front porch of the house at the farm when dark threatening clouds filled the horizon. It seems more in the spirit of the prayer which Jesus taught His disciples to pray for we ask not for the storm to target our neighbor, but for protection as we go through it.  

Praying about the weather is something we all are going to do.  More than once have I prayed that an afternoon shower would not douse a field of hay needing to be dried by hot summer sun.  More than once have I prayed during a stormy night for the safety of my family, or that I would find safe passage on some highway filled with blowing rain.  More than once I have prayed about the weather.  As is the case with all of us, I will likely do it again.