Do not worry about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. Philippians 4:6
Hurricane Irene is barreling toward Long Island. The Barrier Island including Jones beach and all residents residing south of Sunrise Highway in the storm surge areas are under an advisement to evacuate, however that may change to mandatory depending on if Irene’s path stays the same. Long Island is under a hurricane watch with a direct impact on Sunday according to Nassau County Executive Edward Mangano at a press conference around 12:00PM today. He urged residents to have your go kits on hand and be ready to leave if instructed in particular residents of Barrier Island. Three shelters have been set up (Nassau Community College, SUNY Farmingdale and Locust Valley High School) for these residents and pet owners may take their furry friends to Mitchell Park Field House in Uniondale. He also insisted NOT to inundate 911 with non-life threatening emergencies, but to call 1-888-684-4274 instead.
Other than tying down lawn furniture or any other object that may become a projectile in 80 mph winds and having batteries, water and all emergency essentials on hand the only thing left to do is pray.
Prayer will soothe anxiety of the unknown and give it back to He who does know. Hurricanes are a violent act of nature and the effects can be devastating. They are unpredictable and can veer off the predicted course, lose or gain strength and are extremely dangerous. The power of prayer can alleviate the worry of when, how or if property will be lost and damaged or worse yet, lives lost. Small children may be very afraid of thunder, lightening and loud wind. Praying together as a family to ask God to keep you safe will help kids get through the difficult hours while Hurricane Irene hits Long Island. Prayer will give a little serenity to a scary time and bring the family unit tighter and keep minds active if power is lost. Since Hurricane Irene is such a large storm and may linger for hours, it will feel as if you are on a journey waiting for it to end, therefore The Prayer for a Safe Journey·which was altered slightly may be fitting during this time:
Lord, be our guide and protector on the journey we are about to take. Watch over us. Protect us from accidents and the damaging effects of Hurricane Irene. Keep us free from harm to body and soul. Lord, support us with Your grace when we are tired and scared. Help us be patient in any trouble, which may come our way. Keep us always mindful of Your presence and love, in Jesus’ name, Amen.
God Bless!
·Priests of the Sacred Heart
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