How to Pray for Those Affected by the Wildfire

As fires rage through the greater Los Angeles area, many are experiencing heartbreaking devastation and loss.  Thousands of people have lost their homes or are still under evacuation orders.  Firefighters are struggling to control the blaze and stop more damage.  As a church, we want to support one another through our generosity and our prayers. 

James 5:16 says that the prayer of a righteous person is powerful and effective.  And Psalm 55:22 reminds us to cast our cares on the LORD and he will sustain us; he will never let the righteous be shaken.

Here are three ways you might pray this week:

1.      Pray for God’s protection.

May God help the fires to be put out and for them not to flare back up if there are more winds.  We want to pray for protection for all the firefighters and those who are in the path of danger.  As we talked about on Sunday, God is our refuge and our fortress.  We can trust in him (Psalm 91:2).

2.      Pray for God’s Comfort

Our God is a God of comfort who can give a peace that transcends all understanding (Philippians 4:7).  May God comfort those who have lost loved ones or who have lost their home.  Many are grieving and we ask God to draw near to them.  We also pray for the churches in the burn areas.  May they be strong and able to minister to those who are hurting.

3.      Pray for God’s Provision

Our God is able to provide for all of our needs (Philippians 4:19).  We are praying that the firefighters and the frontline workers have what they need.  And our hearts go out to those who have lost so much—may God provide for them.  May God’s people be the hands and feet of Jesus to reach out with generosity and kindness to help those who are hurting.  

Pastor Kory