Gracious heavenly Father, there is shock and sorrow across Australia at the loss of the life and the devastating effect of fire. We struggle in the face of such calamity and cry out to you for your comfort for those whose lives are now changed and who suffer so much. Mercifully embrace those who are frightened. Look with love and compassion on those who mourn. Restrain those who seek to instigate such destruction. In your grace turn tragedy into triumph through Jesus Christ your Son our Lord.

Merciful Father, we commend to your protection all those who work to bring relief to the fire victims. Give those who come to the rescue of others courage in danger and skill in difficult situations. Give them strength of body and clear minds that they may work most effectively in the service of those in need. Give us all compassion and a will to help restore devastated communities; through Jesus Christ your Son our Lord.

Prayer Points

You may wish to add specific prayers for those who know people in those regions; for medical staff; for recovery for those in hospital.
Don’t forget those who have experienced similar catastrophes in the past. Such a reminder may need your pastoring as people begin to relive their traumas.
You are encouraged to mention the flooding in north Queensland. Some have lost all their crops and so their income, to say nothing of the loss and damage of property.
The Lord be with you as you walk with any who in some way also feel the effects of tragedy.
We are grateful for the Lutheran Churches across the world who have taken our tragedies to heart and who pray for our people.

In Christ,

Rev’d Dr Michael P Semmler
President, Lutheran Church of Australia

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