A Call to Prayer for the Victims of the Southern California Fires

Like many of you, my heart breaks for the families who have lost loved ones, their homes, animals, and lifelong possessions because of the wildfires in Los Angeles and surrounding communities. At the time of this writing, the raging fires have left at least 24 people dead and destroyed thousands of structures. The fires have also forced the evacuation of tens of thousands of residents. 

As the volunteers and other support groups are working to help the members of the Southern California Community who have been affected by this natural disaster, if you wish to help with the cause, you can add your support by going to:

1. Charity Navigator or GuideStar. These organizations provide information on nonprofit groups and aid agencies and direct you to reputable ones. Of course, make sure you do your research on the organizations.

2. The GoFundMe organization. If you are looking for somewhere to donate immediately, GoFundMe has created a centralized hub housing all verified GoFundMe pages related to the wildfires in Southern California.

3. The American Red Cross. The Red Cross directs people who want to help to visit redcross.org, call 1-800-RED CROSS (800-733-2767), or text the word REDCROSS to 90999 to donate. The American Red Cross’s priority is to  provide shelter and support to affected people, and "financial donations are the quickest and best way to help those who need it most."

Of course, besides material support, we are invited to pray for all those impacted whenever we see events such as what has been taking place in Southern California. Toward that end, I invite you to join in and embody these words.

Divine Spirit,

We surrender to your presence.

We affirm that the comforting and healing power is now being sent to those with broken hearts and lost homes.

We affirm that the residents of Los Angeles County feel the infusion of your Divine Love every moment of the day.

 We affirm the Divine Waters pour forth on the fires.

We Bless the Firefighters and the support personnel and know they are guided and strengthened by the Holy Spirit.

We see the people protected and the animals saved and envision miracles for all concerned.

We give thanks for the healing balm of your presence and the eternal Hope that springs from your essence.

So it is. And so we let it be.

Amen

Peace and Blessings,

James