30. PRAYER DURING A THUNDER-STORM

     O God, almighty Ruler of heaven and earth, we are reminded by Thy present thundering and lightening that Thou art very wroth with us sinful mortals.  By this resounding noise, at which all creatures tremble and are terrified, Thou dost, as by a veritable mourners' bell, call us to a knowledge of our sins and to true repentance, lest we be condemned with the evil, wicked world.  Thou, O Lord, art so mighty and powerful that Thou couldst instantly destroy the whole world with a single stroke of lightning, if Thou wouldst deal with us sinners according to stern justice.  But we bend our knees and humbly beseech Thee to cease from Thy fierce wrath which is kindled against our sins like a fire. Have compassion on us, spare us, lift up Thy face upon us, and be gracious unto us.  Preserve body and life, house and home, city and country, our property and all our belongings, also, the fruits of the field, from hail, lightning, great floods, and all harm.  Keep us also from a sudden evil death and graciously grant that many sinners, deterred from their ungodly walks and ways by Thy word, Thy thunder and lightning, may turn and be converted unto thee.  Let us at all hours, yea, every moment, be mindful of Thy glorious coming to Judgment and be prepared to receive Thee with joy and to enter eternal bliss with Thee.  Amen.  O Lord, be merciful and gracious unto us poor sinners in body and soul, both in this life and in the life to come.  Amen.