Can we dare to hope for something better than what many politicians, advertisers and social media offer us? Isaiah offers a hopeful vision for peace and justice among the nations: ‘They shall beat their swords into ploughshares and their spears into pruning hooks; one nation shall not raise the sword against another, nor shall they train for war or learn war again.’  He is not describing the end of time when God will draw all people to himself, but it is meant for us today.

God Almighty giver and sustainer of life,
For those whose homes are threatened by fire,
we ask your mercy.
For those whose lives are threatened by flames,
We pray your protection.
For those who have lost all their possessions,
We pray your comfort.
For those whose health is impaired by smoke,
We pray your healing.
Be with those who respond,
Keep safe firefighters, police and volunteers.
Make their efforts effective.
God in your mercy,
Hear our prayers.
Amen.

Christine Sine

https://godspacelight.com/2019/11/09/praying-for-bushfire-victims-in-australia-and-california/

As a result of the unprecedented nature of the bush fires that are being experienced throughout Australia, together with the extraordinary political debate that has been provoked by the fires, the Director of the Edmund Rice Centre, Phil Glendenning, has written an Open Letter to the Prime Minister. Please click here to read the open letter.