The Blogs: As Fires Rage

Fires are burning around the world. A huge fire is consuming a large area of woodland outside of Jerusalem and is moving toward our city. Intense wildfires continue to burn across parts of the western United States. A contingent of Israeli firefighters recently returned from Greece to help battle wild fires there. And so, I’ve revised my prayer “As Fires Rage,” which was originally written in 2018 during the California wildfires of that year with a particular focus on the Golden State. Given the state of fires around the world, this is a more general prayer.

As Fires Rage
G-d beyond my understanding,
Fires consume the land,
Destroying homes and lives,
Blazing into the foundations of serenity and security.
Grant the fire fighters and first responders
Strength and endurance
As they battle the inferno.
Let the winds cease
And rain fall,
And the fires be extinguished.

G-d of justice and mercy,
We pray for the land, wildlife, and people,
In this hour of devastation.
As fires rage and fear spreads,
We pray for the traumatized and the bereaved,
The survivors and the mourners,
Those who have lost homes and dear ones.
Grant them shelter and solace,
Comfort and consolation,
Blessing and renewal.

G-d of heaven and earth,
Hand of love and shelter,
Grant all who are threatened by wildfires
Your protection
And Your peace.

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