Call to Prayer Fires in California and Elsewhere

Bishop Eric Menees

Please join me in praying for those who are suffering from the fires raging in California and elsewhere. Pray for the many who have lost their homes and businesses, for those whose family members have died in the infernos, and for those who either have lost or continue to risk their lives to fight these fires – some of whom have traveled thousands of miles from other countries to do so.

Compassionate Lord, we pray for those who have been devastated by recent natural disasters. We remember those who have lost their lives so suddenly. We hold in our hearts the families forever changed by grief and loss. Bring them consolation and comfort. Surround them with our prayer for strength. Bless those who have survived and heal their memories of trauma and devastation. May they have the courage to face the long road of rebuilding ahead.

We ask your blessing on all those who have lost their homes, their livelihoods, their security, and their hope. Bless the work of relief agencies and those providing emergency assistance, and of those who put their lives between the fires and the rest of us. May their work be guided by the grace and strength that comes from You alone.

Help us to respond with generosity in prayer, in assistance, and in aid to the best of our abilities. Keep those affected on our hearts, even after the crisis is over. We ask this through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.

(Adapted from a Jesuit prayer)