Prayer in a Heatwave
Our Information Officer, Ruth Jarman, shares a prayer from her church, St John’s Hartley Wintney
They say a camel is what happens when a committee designs something. But maybe something different results when we write prayers together, or maybe a camel is not such a bad thing.
Our vicar’s husband was on intercessions during the recent heatwave, when a nearby heath area had been on fire. He prayed for the firefighters and all those caught up in the heat. And then he connected the dots that are so often not connected. He confessed our part in causing the change in our climate, lamenting our apathy and greed.
Our worship leader/communications officer always asks the creation care team for items for the e-news. And, even though we don’t usually put prayers in our newsletters, I suggested that perhaps we could for once, and gave her a few words, also mentioning how much I loved Sunday’s intercessions. And, just as she mixes harmonies and songs as she creates worship, she has taken others’ words, added her own and made it beautiful.
Do use this prayer – as is, or modified for your church or situation. There is no need to credit. Either use the image, above, or the text below:
Creator and loving God,
We pray for all people, creatures, and the natural world suffering in this time of extreme heat and wildfires. We remember communities living with the devastation of fires, those who have lost homes or been displaced, and all who face fear, loss, and uncertainty.
We give thanks for the courage and dedication of firefighters, mountain rescue teams, emergency services, land managers, and volunteers who work in dangerous conditions to protect lives, homes, wildlife, and your creation. Keep them safe, strengthen them when they are weary, and grant them wisdom in all they do.
We are sorry for the ways we have contributed to the changing climate. Have mercy on us, and help us to be the people your earth needs us to be living with wisdom, care, and hope.
Bring healing to the land that has been scarred, comfort to those who grieve, and renewal to all creation.
Through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
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