Devastation. Displacement. Death. Lord, the images from California capture only a fraction of the suffering and pain consuming your people who seek missing loved ones, wait to return to non-existent homes and worry about what comes next week, next month, next year.
Hearing the voices of public officials and fire fighters, citizens and local politicians, all trying to remain hopeful, helpful and calm, we know they are fearful, frayed and exhausted. We ask, Holy Comforter, that you envelop them with courage and strengthen them for the work ahead. We pray that the fire of the Holy Spirit will replace the flames of grief with those of stamina, power and peace. We trust, God, that your breath of mercy, grace and rebirth will blow among the winds that spread destruction and bring relief and the assurance of your good and promised future.
Knowing that the earth and all that is in it belongs to you, Lord of All, we commit to caring for creation, every person, every creature, in ways that help the hurting and honor you. We remember that long after the images and voice disappear from our newsfeeds, lives remain upended and vulnerable. Do not let our attention or compassion wane, keep us stalwart in walking with you and with those most in need of your presence this day and always. Amen.
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