Credit: The New York Times

“Australia has been burning for more than two months. Sobering images show summer vacationers sheltering from the flames while awaiting rescue, the burned wreckage of homes and businesses, and the charred bodies of kangaroos and koalas.” – The Washington Post, 01/13/2020

“The Australian Supreme Court has stepped in to put an immediate halt to a logging project in east Victoria while it waits for cases about the health of native species to be heard in court.” – The Brisbane Times, 1/30/2020

Dear Friends,

The fires burning in Australia continue to threaten and destroy people’s lives and property, and devastate habitats and wildlife. Please join me this week in praying for all those impacted by the effects of this horrifying calamity.

Blessings,
Pastor Basile

“Be merciful to me, O God, be merciful to me, for in you my soul takes refuge; in the shadow of your wings I will take refuge, until the destroying storms pass by.” (Psalm 57:1)

A Prayer

Dear Lord, even in times of devastation and disaster, You are our God, You are sovereign, and You are good. We know that even though this world is imperfect and fallen, You care for Your children and Your creation. We ask You, Abba Father, to quench these Australian bushfires quickly – no matter how they were started we know You can put an end to them. We pray that You would equip the firefighters that are currently in the field trying to put out these fires; please give them the tools they need and the wisdom to know what to do next. May there be collaboration among all the different departments helping, the volunteers, and the government. Give them the strength and grant them encouragement to continue on in this harrowing ordeal. Please lift up new volunteers from many different places so that those currently serving would not grow weary.

Please bless the 2000 people and growing who have lost their homes, may they look to you in their hope to start over. We pray for the families that lost loved ones to this fire, may they be surrounded by your peace at this time. And we pray for the wildlife that is being devastated. This is Your creation Lord, and You have granted us stewardship over it. May we be good stewards of the earth you have given us and all the creatures in it. We pray for all of the wildlife care volunteers who are working around the clock to rescue animals and provide help to those injured.

Lord, we pray for healing in the land of Australia. We pray for an end to these fires that have taken so much. And we pray for complete restoration in this land when the fires have ceased. We pray that people would come together in Your name to help one another, their communities, and the land You have blessed them with. May we remember that even amidst dangerous and devastating fires You are with us and You care. For You are the God who is making all things new. Lord hear our prayer. Amen.

– Liz Kanoy, Senior Editor, www.crosswalk.com

“Praying with the Pastor” is a resource highlighting prayer needs in our community, nation, and world. Names of Zion members and friends requesting prayer are listed in the weekly church bulletins, and monthly Messenger Newsletter. May God’s blessings abound as we consistently lift up the world, including our own church family, in prayer!