Our heavenly Father, creator of all things and especially the creator of this land and its original peoples, we call out to you in these desperate times as we see the first catastrophic fire warnings for New South Wales, as fires have already swept across several parts of our land.
Our hearts cry out to you in desperation for those whose properties are affected by ravaging fires and whose very lives are in danger.
Father we pray, in your mercy, restrain the forces of nature from creating catastrophic damage; in your mercy protect human life.
Guard those who selflessly step into the breech to fight these fires. Guide police and authorities who help evacuate and shelter those who are displaced. Bring comfort and healing to all who suffer loss.
Remembering that long ago you extended your hand through your servant Moses to stop the waters and then to return the waters to their normal course, so we pray for rain.
In your mercy, we pray for drenching rain.
We pray that despite the forecasts, in your miraculous power you would bring forth rain to quench these fires and to bring life back into the earth, so that crops may grow and farmers may bring forth the harvest of the land again.
We bring these requests before your throne, in the name of your Son, who died and rose again for our deliverance,
Amen.
This prayer comes from the President of the NSW Council of Churches, the Archbishop of Sydney, Dr Glenn Davies.
Originally published on SydneyAnglicans.net.
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Can Covid-19 Bring Us to Our Knees?
Churches all over the country, in fact, all over the world, are praying that the coronavirus might be stopped in its tracks.
I am doing all I can personally, and I hope you are too, to stop the spread. I think the casual approach to COVID-19 is disappearing in Australia – people of all ages are discovering how serious the situation is.
I saw recently a harrowing video from a pastor in Ireland – from his hospital bed. He warned ‘this virus is out to kill you.’ It was a sobering thought.
For Christians, we should take precautions and pray. I am praying that the love of Jesus might be spread everywhere as people take care of each other especially those who are shut in and vulnerable.
Will you also stop today to pray for your family, friends, and fellow Australians – that this virus is stopped?
I’m Russell Powell for the NSW Council of Churches.