California Wildfires: Prayer and Worship Resources

Beginning on Tuesday, January 7, small embers in the western area of Los Angeles, California, quickly spread into a 200-acre wildfire. Over the next few days, a combination of wind and dry conditions caused multiple fires that have damaged homes and land in the California coastal area. As of Friday morning, 34,000 acres have burned, and more than 200,000 residents are facing mandatory evacuation orders. At least twenty-seven people have died as residents reportedly face the worst fire threat in Los Angeles history, more than 13,600 structures have been destroyed, and at least tens of thousands of people have been forced from their homes.

In light of these fires, we encourage congregations to take time to pray for those suffering from the wildfires, including for:

Prayer Requests for Individuals and Families

• For those who have lost loved ones: Pray for comfort and peace for grieving families.
• For those who have lost homes: Pray for provision, shelter, and the strength to rebuild.
• For those injured or affected by smoke and poor air quality: Pray for healing and protection, especially for the elderly, children, and those with respiratory conditions.
• For those displaced and living in shelters: Pray for their safety, encouragement, and swift resolution to return to stability.

Prayer Requests for First Responders

1. For firefighters: Pray for their safety, stamina, and wisdom as they battle the flames.
2. For emergency responders and medical teams: Pray for strength and skill as they care for those in need.
3. For volunteers and relief workers: Pray for energy, compassion, and resources as they serve tirelessly.

Prayer Requests for Communities

1. For local churches and faith communities: Pray that they may be a source of hope and practical support to their neighbors.
2. For affected towns and cities: Pray for unity, resilience, and the means to rebuild infrastructure.
3. For those facing economic hardship: Pray for jobs to be restored and for businesses to recover.

Prayer Requests for Relief Efforts

1. For organizations providing aid: Pray for the work of groups like World Renew, Red Cross, and local nonprofits to have the resources and volunteers they need to meet immediate and long-term needs.
2. For financial and material donations: Pray that generosity would abound and that supplies would reach those who need them most.

Prayer Requests for the Land

1. For the fires to be contained: Pray for favorable weather, such as rain, and for the winds to die down.
2. For the healing of the environment: Pray for the restoration of forests, wildlife, and farmland impacted by the fires.
3. For wisdom in fire prevention: Pray for state leaders, scientists, and community planners to implement strategies that reduce future wildfire risks.

Prayer Requests for God's Presence

1. For hope in the midst of despair: Pray that affected individuals and families will experience God’s comfort and strength.
2. For peace amid uncertainty: Pray that God’s presence will calm anxious hearts and provide clarity for those making critical decisions.
3. For God’s love to be evident: Pray that communities will come together to reflect Christ’s love and light in this time of darkness.

Merciful God,
Our hearts are heavy as we witness the devastation caused by the wildfires in California.
We mourn for those who have lost their homes, livelihoods, and loved ones.
We lift up to You the firefighters and first responders who risk their lives to protect others.
Grant them strength, wisdom, and safety.

For those who have been displaced, Lord, provide shelter and peace.
For those who grieve, bring comfort and healing.
For those who feel hopeless, remind them of Your presence.

We pray for the communities that have been affected,
that they may find the courage to rebuild,
and for churches and organizations responding with aid,
that their work may bring hope and restoration.

In this time of crisis, we trust in Your power to redeem and renew.
Help us to be Your hands and feet,
offering love and support to those in need.
In Jesus’ name, we pray. Amen.

For those who would like to support relief efforts, we suggest partnering with World Renew, the CRCNA's poverty alleviation and disaster relief organization. You and your church can support World Renew Disaster Relief Services at this link. There are resources to donate to World Renew's efforts using both American and Canadian  individuals and churches.