Spirit of Healing Winds-

Fires take hold of mountainsides and homes.  Dry weather and electrical mishaps cause tragic infernos.

As the flames heighten and grasp our lands, our firefighters rush to the incidents.  Their courage drives them to risk their well-being for the health and lives of others.

For their strength and determination, we share our gratitude.

We pray for first responders who are facing trauma years after an incident.  We remember that many of our firefighters who worked to rescue survivors and recover victims of September 11, 2001 have fallen ill and struggling to hold onto their lives.  May their peace and health prosper, and may they see a future with hope.

We pray for the many chaplains walking alongside of our firefighters.  May they bring your comfort to our first responders with wounds from the skin to the soul.

May your winds be kind to the raging flames.  May your water soothe the fires that rage.  May your land heal in the seasons that follow a wildfire’s frenzy.

And may those who stand against each fire feel the strength of your presence in their confrontation with nature’s elements.

Amen.

*****

This is part of a series of Lenten daily prayers for various careers. The list was determined by St. Paul UCC, Belleville, IL.