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Together we proclaim and embody God's unconditional love for the sake of the world.



APRIL 30, 2022

A RECONCILING IN CHRIST SYNOD

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Prayers for those impacted by New Mexico wildfires 


Retired Pastor Pat Halvorson, Las Vegas, NM, has provided details about New Mexico wildfires. She writes:


Please pray for much of New Mexico and fires. Las Vegas, NM, is about 30 miles from the Hermit’s Peak fire which has combined with other fires to burn about 100,000 acres. It is still only about 33% contained. Hundreds and hundreds of people have been evacuated at least twice and and unknown number of homes burned. This is a poor part of the country and in the rural areas many people live on family parcels of land handed down for generations since the 1800s. They do not want leave their homes. Many others do not have resources to go elsewhere.


Our small town is the refugee and command center for this fire. Memorial Middle School which is not being used as a school now and is the refugee center. Today the parking lot was completely full. Many homes in Las Vegas, are now surrounded by many cars presumably housing refugee guests.


The winds are so strong and erratic. One day the firefighters think they have made progress and the wind changes and another hotspot flares. Its been going on for about two weeks now. I think I heard there are about 20 large fires now burning in New Mexico. The website for NM Forest Service Santa Fe, gives quite up to date information.


We pray for the people of New Mexico, as well as all in the parched West who are impacted by fires.



Worship and prayer

Litany in Time of Wildfires


Holy God, in the wake of fires that devour and consume,

Refresh us with the water of life.

In the barren places of ash and dust,

Restore us with the water of life.

When all we can see is devastation and despair,

Renew us with the water of life.

In Christ, we are washed clean.

We are refreshed.

In Christ, we drink from the wellspring of hope.

We are restored.

In Christ, we dance in the fountain of life.

We are renewed.

Thanks be to God. Amen.


Prayers


We pray to you almighty God, as we have witnessed the power and destruction of wildfires. You are our refuge and our strength, a very present help in time of trouble. In the face of tragic losses, uphold us with your love, and give us the strength we need. Help us in our confusion, and guide our actions. Heal the broken, console those faciing devestating loss, and give hope to those who are overwhelmed; for the sake of your great mercy in Jesus Christ our Lord.


God our comforter, you are a refuge and a strength for us, a helper close at hand in times of distress. Enable us so to hear the words of faith that our fear is dispelled, our loneliness eased, our anxiety calmed, and our hope reawakened. May your Holy Spirit lift us above our sorrow to the peace and light of your constant love; through Jesus Christ, our Savior and Lord.

Additional ELW Resources


Rocky Mountain Synod

Evangelical Lutheran Church in America

800-525-0462 / 303-777-6700 / fax 303-733-0750

rmselca.org