As bushfires are burning in our state and across Australia, we pray for all affected by bushfires in our nation, in particular the people of East Gippsland.
We encourage those wanting to help to donate via not-for-profit registered charities who are fighting fires or helping bushfire victims, such as:
Anglicare Victoria
The Australian Red Cross
The Salvation Army
CFA (Country Fire Authority)
Vic Emergency
This prayer has been prayed at St Paul’s Cathedral over the past few days.
You are most welcome to use and reproduce it:
Almighty God and heavenly Father, we pray for this world that you love so much
that you sent your Son Jesus to be born as the child of Bethlehem:
We pray for the safety of those sheltering from fires and those fighting fires,
for livestock, native animals, paddocks, bushlands and sacred places.
We remember our own loved ones and those who are dear to us facing this crisis. We pray for those tending to the injured, the frightened and the broken-hearted,
for emergency services, emergency broadcasters, chaplains and counsellors.
We ask for your forgiveness for our own failures in safeguarding your good creation,
and pray for political and community leaders, and all those responding
to the current crisis in our nation.
Above all, we pray the peace that passes all understanding,
in our nation and state, in our homes and in our hearts.
This we ask in the name of your Son, Jesus Christ, our Lord. Amen.
Dean Andreas’ Epiphany sermon reflects in detail on these recent horrific events – you can read it here.