God of mercy and compassion, during these days of devastating fires throughout Los Angeles, bless us with a felt sense of Your abiding presence as life strips away all our comforts and securities, everything we thought we needed.
Help those affected and all those providing aid to build endurance and strength for the difficult days ahead.
May those of us watching from afar not become numb to the anguish of each individual who has lost all that is precious whether it be life or possessions.
Instead, may our broken hearts urge us to engaged prayer and loving action, in collaboration with government relief workers, churches, and volunteers.
May all those suffering the trauma of loss feel the love and support of a community caring for each others’ welfare. We ask this in Your name.—AMEN.
(“A Blessing for the Underworld Journey” by Christine Valters Paintner, OblSB, Ph.D.)