As children and adults, we have all wondered whether anyone cared about our problems or circumstances. In some cases, we wondered if the world cared. Of course, we knew that the world didn’t know us personally, but some knew of our deprivations and continuous struggles.
Thank God for technological advances in information and communication.
The world is a big neighborhood!
We have television, social media, and other communication mediums.
How can we not know what’s happening in Los Angeles, California?
The raging and murderous fires! The tumult and fire-feeding, flame-throwing, high winds! The death toll! The homes, businesses, and schools destroyed!
The herculean efforts of homeowners and firefighters from various states to stop the marching and flying embers are commendable and sacrificial.
We thank God the fires aren’t in our neighborhoods, towns, cities, or states.
What can you and I, who are near and so distant, do?
Is it enough to say my heart is with them?
Is it enough to say a prayer for them?
Yes, we can pray a prayer without ceasing for them, their families, and friends.
First Timothy 2:1 says, “I urge, then, first of all, that petitions, prayers, intercession, thanksgivings be made for all people.”
God commands us to pray for one another.
Christians petition God through prayer for a specific action or request and pray for the needs of others before our own.
Why should we pray when God knows what’s happening in California?
Matthew 6:8 says, “For your Father knoweth what things ye have need of before ye ask him.”
We pray to God to confirm our hope, faith, and dependency on Him. We release our faith through prayer and call forth things as though they are.
While men and women work to put out the fires, we pray that God will protect them and all those in harm’s way.
My prayer:
God, I know that you see, hear, and know everything. You can number the grains of sand on the earth. You know the twists, turns, and voices of the Santa Ana Winds. You know the flight and sitting down of every fiery ember. You know those who were put to sleep by the toxic smoke and furnace heat. You are omnipresent and omniscient.
Glory to your name in all things; you are the God of earth, wind, and fire. Thank you for those who survived and escaped the flames. Thank you for the strength, courage, and sacrifice of those who continue to battle the fires.
We claim victory in your name. In the name of Christ Jesus, the Father of all, we ask and pray for mercy and forgiveness of our sins.
“The LORD reigneth, he is clothed with majesty; the LORD is clothed with strength, wherewith he hath girded himself: the world also is stablished, that it cannot be moved (Psalm 93:1).”
You redeemed our lives from destruction. You are a very present help.
Help us now. You are omnipotent. Thy will be done.
Amen.
We can all pray a prayer for those affected by the fires in California.
Many of us can make a contribution or donate items to help those who have been displaced and are devastated.
We are to always pray and not faint or give up. I hope you are happy and well.