Special Prayers for Los Angeles and Those Suffering from Natural Disasters Around the World

As we say farewell to President Jimmy Carter, whose life was guided by compassion and love for all of God’s creation, we offer A Prayer for Southern California. We share this prayer written by retired PC(USA) pastor, Rev. W. Mark Koenig in Albuquerque, NM, whose words seek the dignity not just of humans facing destruction from multiple wildfires in the Los Angeles area, but for all of creation. We offer this prayer as we continue to hold in prayer those still recovering from Hurricanes Helene and Milton and other natural disasters around the world. 

Let us pray. 

God who creates scenes of beauty and wonder,

protect the people, the creatures, and all your creation

from the fires that rage in Southern California

or in other places.

Surround the people, creatures, creation

with your grace and peace.

Comfort all who mourn the death of loved ones.

Stand with all who grieve the loss of beloved pets

or dreams and hopes.

Hold those who evacuate in your care.

Accompany all who have been displaced.

Sustain all whose homes or businesses have been destroyed.

Strengthen those who work to control the fires,

guide their efforts.

Lead us to examine

how our lifestyles and 

our public policy might

contribute to the fires.

Help us make any needed changes in how we live.

Provide hope and courage and grace

for the living of these days.

Amen.

This prayer was shared with permission from Rev. Mark Koenig.