A Pastoral Prayer for Those Affected by the Los Angeles Wildfires

Seeking God's mercy over a city whose name in English means "The Angels."

Gracious and Merciful God,

We seek You with heavy hearts, pleading mercy for all who suffer in the midst of the devastating wildfires sweeping through the Los Angeles area. Lord, You are our refuge and strength, a very present help in times of trouble. And so, we turn to You now, seeking Your comfort, Your peace, and Your protection for the people, places, and things that have been devastated by these raging flames.

Los Angeles—The City of Angels. Lord, even its very name carries a reminder of Your heavenly hosts. And so today, we appeal to You, the Lord of Hosts, the God of Angel Armies. Would You command Your angels to surround this city and its people? Would You unleash them into the smoke and flames to protect, to comfort, and to carry out Your mission of mercy? Just as You have promised to make Your blessings flow far as the curse is found, we ask that You would push back the curse of destruction and loss with Your mighty presence and healing hand.

For those who have lost homes—places where memories were made, where families gathered, where shelter was assumed—we ask for Your comfort. In the ashes of loss, would You speak words of hope? As they look upon what once was, may they also begin to sense what could be. Remind them that though so much is destroyed, You are the God who rebuilds, restores, and makes all things new. Provide shelter, resources, and helping hands to meet their immediate needs, and in time, grant them the strength to rebuild not just houses, but homes filled with redemption and rest.

We pray for all who are still in harm’s way—for the anxious, the displaced, and the vulnerable. Calm their fears, Lord. In the chaos of evacuations and the uncertainty of what comes next, would You steady their hearts? Give them clarity in decision-making, and lead them to safe and supportive places. Surround them with compassionate neighbors who will walk with them through this valley of fear and loss. Let them not be alone, and fulfill Your promise never to leave or forsake us.

Father, we lift up the firefighters, first responders, and all emergency personnel who are risking their lives to battle these fires. Strengthen their weary bodies, sharpen their minds, and protect them as they step into danger to save lives and homes. For their families, who wait anxiously for their safe return, we ask for Your comfort and peace. Grant wisdom to those in leadership and emergency response teams making critical decisions—may their choices be guided by compassion and discernment.

We remember, too, the animals—pets left behind, livestock in danger, and the wildlife whose habitats have been destroyed. Lord, You care for every creature under heaven. As You reminded Jonah when he questioned Your compassion for the people of Nineveh, You expressed concern not only for the 120,000 people there but also for "much cattle." In this, we see Your tender care extending beyond humanity to all of creation. Comfort those grieving the loss, and bring protection to all creatures still in harm’s way. You are the Creator who sees and cares for every living thing.

And for those watching from afar, feeling helpless as they witness the devastation, stir in us a compassion that leads to action. Move hearts to give generously, to pray earnestly, and to serve sacrificially. May we be mindful that the burdens of our neighbors are also our burdens, and that in times of crisis, You call us to bear one another's loads with love.

God of all comfort, we acknowledge the deep grief and fear these fires have brought. Yet, even now in our weakness and doubt, we cling onto the promise that You are near to the brokenhearted and that You save those who are crushed in spirit. May this be true for every soul touched by these fires. In the smoke and ruin, may sure signs of Your grace appear. Through the generosity of neighbors, the bravery of first responders, and the quiet strength of survivors, reveal Your presence.

We pray for the healing of the land. In Your mercy, bring heavy rain to quench the fires and calm the winds that fan the flames. We know You are sovereign over all creation. Speak peace to the storm, and let the earth find rest once again.

Lord of Hosts, God of Angel Armies, we ask that Your angels be sent forth to make Your blessings flow as far as the curse is found. Just as You filled the skies with angels to announce the birth of Christ, we ask You now to fill this city with unseen protectors, ministers of mercy and peace, surrounding every man, woman, child, and every living creature with Your saving power. Let this be a moment where Your people know, deep in their bones, that You are near—that You fight for them, that You comfort them, and that You will not let this destruction have the final word. As the Psalmist urgently prayed, “Hasten, O God, to save…Come quickly, Lord, to help.”

Lastly, Lord, we pray for hearts to turn toward You in this moment. In the face of destruction, may many discover that our ultimate security is not found in what we can build or protect, but in You alone. Be a steady anchor in this storm, a sure foundation beneath every trembling step. May this season of loss also become a season where many find comfort in Your love and salvation in Your grace. Remind us that in Christ, our best and most life-giving days are always ahead of us and never behind us. As C.S. Lewis aptly said concerning every tragedy or loss, “Heaven will work backwards and turn agony into glory.”

Hold close every soul who feels lost and alone right now. Let every heart hear Your whisper, as recorded in Isaiah: “When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; and when you pass through the rivers, they will not sweep over you. When you walk through the fire, you will not be burned; the flames will not set you ablaze.”

We believe this promise because You are faithful. And so, we entrust all these burdens into Your loving and capable hands.

In the name of Jesus, our refuge and our Redeemer, we pray.

Amen.