There is so much pain and sadness, so much loss; of loved ones, animals, wildlife, forests, homes, livelihoods, hope. I offer this prayer for friends, colleagues,patients, families, communities and all who suffer. We pray these prayers for you…

Compassionate One, we pray for all who are being affected by the devastating fires… Surround them with our prayer for strength. Bless those who have survived and heal their memories of trauma and devastation. May they have the courage to face the long road of rebuilding ahead. 

God who grieves,
Christ of compassion,
Spirit of comfort and hope,
We grieve with the grieving.

Those for whom the ache of memory taints the present and colors any vision for the future.

Those for whom there is a hole in their life which cannot be filled or covered up, but simply borne.

Those for whom memories are both sweet and sad and when daily encounters may unpredictably evoke tears and sadness anew.

Those who can’t and shouldn’t have to get over the chasm of their loss, but who seek to move forward carrying this emptiness.

We grieve and pray for those who have lost a sense of normal with the void in their routine living carved out by who or what has been lost.

May a new normal evolve, and may it bring some sense of comfort and healing.

We pray for those haunted by the ghosts of “what if?” and “if only…”.

May they find and focus on that which is positive and hope-filled and which dissolves regrets and unrealized dreams.

Resource them so that they may find the way to forgive anything that needs forgiving and to receive and accept forgiveness which they need.

Grant them wisdom and courage to know when and how to ask for help and support from those who care.

Insulate them from the inevitable well-meaning trite-isms and platitudes which might be offered, but which are too often unhelpful and come from an inexperience of the struggles of deep grief.

Bring alongside them people of care and compassion who are equipped with the resilience and wisdom for the long journey of the grieving.

Be with them so that they might know your presence, comfort and love and find in you the way forward to healing and life.

Bring us the knowledge and will to be your hands of help if and when we can.
This we ask in the spirit of all that is Holy.
Amen.
(Source: Jon Humphries)

Offered by Liz Sorensen Wessel
Artwork by ~liz