In response to this week’s disasters, your Connectional Ministries team has prepared a litany for use in your upcoming services. 

You can download the litany as a document, PDF, or already placed on PowerPoint slides at this link.

LA Fires Litany and Prayer

Leader: God, our refuge and our strength, our ever-present help in the time of trouble, we pray this day for all who are experiencing loss from the Los Angeles fires.
People: God, you have promised never to leave us or forsake us. We need you now.

L: Today, we mourn with sisters, brothers, and all siblings who have lost:
P: Homes
L: Businesses
P: Possessions
L: Loved Ones
P: Hope

L: We pray for those whose homes have been destroyed.
P: Shelter them.
L: For those whose possessions have been lost.
P: Provide for them.
L: For those whose livelihoods have been disrupted.
P: Sustain them.
L: For those whose next steps are uncertain.
P: Shepherd them.
L: For those who grieve
P: Comfort them.

L: Today, we also pray for the first responders:
P: Give them strength and endurance for the daunting task.
L: We pray for government officials:
P: Give them wisdom, care and resources that people need.
L: We pray for the people as they work to rebuild their lives:
P: Give them hope, clarity and perseverance.
L: We pray for the Church:

P: May our hearts break open with compassion, generosity and swift action.
L: The Spirit of the Sovereign Lord is on us today
P: To bind up the brokenhearted, to comfort all who mourn
L: To provide for those who grieve in the greater Los Angeles area
P: To bestow on them a reminder of God’s favor instead of ashes
L: The oil of joy instead of mourning
P: And a garment of praise instead of a spirit of despair
L: This is the day that will come
P: And we will journey there together
L: And until that day, through the wind and the flames, and through our solidarity and service, may we be reminded of God’s still small voice:
P: That we are Beloved. Amen.