Prayer for those affected by Los Angeles Wildfires *

‘The certainty of the love of God’

Let us pray,

In the midst of the fragility of our lives and in the uncertainty of where winds blow and when winds and storms will end, renew our faith in the certainty of the accompaniment of the love of God and the God who is in the midst of the storms. 

May the Lord, and our shared sense of community, be with all those in southern California and all of us who are in solidarity through prayers and who are ready to provide whatever support that would be helpful in the days, weeks, and months to come.

AMEN.

*(Prayer by Rev Neal D. Presa, Executive Presbyter, Presbytery of the Pacific, Presbyterian Church USA.) 

Churches in Australia are praying for the communities of Southern California affected by wildfires that have killed over two dozen people, destroyed thousands of homes and numerous schools, businesses and other public infrastructure.

There has been destruction of churches, a century-old synagogue in Paladena and a mosque in Altadena. 

Urges Rev. Prof. D. Neal D. Presa of the Presbytery of San Jose, California: “The ecumenical family can pray for all the affected individuals and communities in Los Angeles and Ventura counties, the thousands of residents who have lost their homes and businesses and are dislocated, all firefighters who have been working tirelessly to contain the fires, all first responders who are providing aid, all caregivers who are providing care to the aged and infirmed, and, overall, hope and resilience in the midst of the smoldering ash, and a shared sense of community.” 

“We mourn the devastating and heart-breaking losses by so many in this and in every natural disaster,” says Rev Presa.

Catholic Archbishop of Los Angeles José Gomez, said at a special mass on 9 January that there were no “easy answers” and that God calls each person “to be instruments that show his compassion and care to those who are suffering.”

“Love is what is asked from us in this challenging moment,” Archbishop Gomez said.

Related news 

As fires devastate California, WCC extends prayers, condolences | www.oikoumene.org | 10 January 2025

Amid California fires, “we have the certainty of the accompaniment of the love of God”  | www.oikoumene.org | 13 January 2025

LA fires inspire groundswell of Catholic aid | National Catholic Reporter | January 13, 2025