A prayer for those affected by wildfires

Written by Rev John Bavington
Chaplain of Aquitaine

Loving God our Father, who has blessed us,
And given us a good world to live in as stewards, 
We bring before you all those who are affected 
by the wildfires ravaging parts of France and Spain.
We especially pray for those who have been evacuated in the Gironde and Landes.
Give them peace and safety as they wait for the end of this crisis.
 

We are so grateful for the firefighters and other workers 
who are risking their own lives to bring the fires under control.
Protect them and strengthen them as they serve the community.
And bless all those in authority who are releasing funds and resources
To provide shelter and other necessities to those at risk. 
We thank you for the outpouring of concern and support for those in need
And we pray that this community spirit might be seen among us all the time,
Not only at times of emergency. 
 

Lord, we are conscious that the world is warming, 
and that human activity is contributing significantly to the changing climate. 
We are sorry and repent of our selfish consumerism. 
Help us all to find ways to reduce our footprint upon the earth,
And give wisdom to those in power to find a way 
to reduce greenhouse gases in the atmosphere. 
We offer this prayer in the name of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ,
Amen.