The wildfires in Northern Alberta and BC continue to be a risk, with many people evacuated and many others under evacuation alerts. The risk of fires will likely continue throughout the summer. We encourage congregations to continue to hold everyone impacted in your prayers. Perhaps the following can guide your prayers:
O God, our refuge and strength, our help in times of trouble.
We lift our prayers to you now that your creation is suffering.
Have mercy on the lands ravaged by fires.
Calm the winds that fan the flames, and send rain to the parched lands.
Comfort all who have had to leave their homes; give them solace as they wait for news.
Give peace to those under evacuation alerts.
Bless all those who help and support the evacuees.
Protect all those who are fighting the fires, and keep them safe in difficult circumstances.
Protect all whose health is at risk because of the smoke.
Heal the people, heal the nature, and heal the land.
God, in your unending mercy, we ask you to hear our prayers.
Amen.
A prayer from All Creation Sings:
Holy God, in you alone we find safety and shelter. Be a sure refuge to all suffering from wildfires. Grant courage, protection, and favorable weather to firefighters and emergency responders; embrace with supportive communities all who are newly displaced or homeless; comfort those grieving all that has been destroyed and give patience to those who are anxious, not knowing when relief will come. Heal your whole creation, that out of flame and ashes new growth will spring forth. We pray through Jesus Christ, our life and our strength. Amen.
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