As fires rage through parts of Southern California, many of our fellow Americans are experiencing heartbreaking devastation and loss. Thousands of people have been forced to leave their homes, and firefighters are struggling to control the blaze and stop more damage. 

Even as many of us witness these moments through photos and videos circulating online, we are reminded that we cannot control when suffering enters our lives. We grieve with those who grieve and offer support to those in need, but we are also called to pray. God’s Word tells us that our prayers are powerful (James 5:16). And through prayer, we can go directly to the God who cares about our deepest hurts and invites us to leave our troubles in his hands (Psalm 55:22).  

As we seek to support those affected by these wildfires, we invite you to pause and pray with us now.  

Pray for God’s Protection

Whoever goes to the Lord for safety,
whoever remains under the protection of the Almighty, can say to him,
“You are my defender and protector.
You are my God; in you I trust.”
Psalm 91:1–2 GNT  

Father, we pray for all those affected by these wildfires. For those who needed to evacuate, we pray for safe shelters and provision. For those still in the path of danger, we pray for your protection. Shelter them under the shadow of your wings. Give them strength, courage, and resolve to endure. We pray for the most vulnerable lives, especially those who are elderly, those with small children, and those who cannot easily leave their homes. Keep them safe and provide what they need. Lord, we pray for the firefighters, first responders, and neighbors running into danger to rescue others. Please preserve their lives and bless their efforts to locate missing or stranded people. Thank you, Lord, for the safety we find in you. We pray this in Jesus’s name, Amen.   

Pray for God’s Comfort

Let us give thanks to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the merciful Father, the God from whom all help comes! He helps us in all our troubles, so that we are able to help others who have all kinds of troubles, using the same help that we ourselves have received from God.
2 Corinthians 1:3–4 GNT  

Father, we ask you to comfort the people in these communities. We pray for those who have lost loved ones and are grieving. Draw near to them and help them draw near to you through prayer and through your Word. Equip the church to be your hands and feet, offering physical and spiritual help where needed. Give first responders and caregivers grace to comfort those suffering great loss. Help churches to mobilize and inspire acts of generosity, kindness, and peace. We ask that people would be constantly reminded of your promises, and that many would encounter Christ and turn to you during this tragedy. Thank you, Lord, for your promise of comfort and our eternal hope. We pray this in Jesus’s name, Amen.  

Pray for God’s Provision

And with all his abundant wealth through Christ Jesus, my God will supply all your needs.
Philippians 4:19 GNT   

Father, we pray for people who have lost homes, livelihoods, possessions, and security, and we pray for the communities that have been destroyed. Grant them the courage to face the long road of rebuilding ahead and the comfort that only you can give. We pray for the winds to die down and for rain to fall, aiding firefighters in quenching the destructive fires. Provide extra strength for first responders who are working long hours. Help supplies of water, food, and medicine reach communities in dire need. May your church open its doors to the needy, providing meals, shelter, and spiritual support through your Word. We pray for an outpouring of support that will meet every need through the generosity of others. Thank you, Lord, for promising to provide all that we need. In Jesus’s name we pray, Amen.   

Free Disaster Recovery Resources 

During and immediately after a disaster, it’s hard to handle lots of information. Download this simple postcard, which can provide some quick reminders and Scripture to help survivors get through the first days: (click to download)     

 

 

Later, people may benefit from the biblical wisdom in our Beyond Disaster booklet, available for free at BeyondDisaster.Bible.