Leader :

Good morning/afternoon and welcome to this time of prayer, as we call to mind the bushfires affecting our land and people.

As we begin, let us remember that we are gathered on Holy Ground. We acknowledge and pay our respects to the original owners and custodians of this land – our Aboriginal brothers and sisters. For years, they have cared for, nurtured and nourished this land. As we pray for our home that burns uncontrollably, may their knowledge and deep spiritual connectedness to this land be a source of guidance as we journey into the future together.

I invite you to stand and join in singing our gathering hymn.

Leader :

We gather in the name of God, our creator and source of life.

The first candle is lit.

Leader :

We gather in the name of Jesus, the one who suffers with us and brings us the promise of new life with God.

The second candle is lit.

Leader :

And we gather in the name of the Holy Spirit, the eternal presence that gives us the strength to move forward into a new day.

The third candle is lit.

Leader :

God, author of creation, You breathed life into each person and the beautiful world that surrounds us. Be with your creation during this time of unspeakable devastation; sustain our spirits during these bushfires, as we reach out in sorrow to all those affected in their wake. As these fires rage, so too may our desire to bring order to your world, keeping all from harm.

We make this prayer in the name of Jesus, your Son.

All :

Amen.

Leader :

Today’s reading is taken from a sort of soliloquy from the prophet Job. Throughout the entire Book, Job attests to the greatness of God. Despite losing his entire wealth, his family and his health, he never accuses or curses God for his circumstances. Job reminds us that God is with us in all things. God never causes pain or suffering, but God remains with us throughout the tough times. The fires that have engulfed our nation are among one of those times.

In fact, Job continues to say that, although we can never fully understand God’s plan, through some of the most terrible of circumstances, we can begin to glimpse God’s wisdom. God gives us the will to live by our own making. We can choose to be good or not. We can choose to live in God’s world for good, or for personal gain.

As the fires rage, so too do the storms of unrest about climate change; perhaps these fires are of our own making? Has global warming finally caught up with us and caused catastrophic and irreversible damage to the beauty of our world?

Regardless of our views on these issues, these natural disasters should give us pause. In this space, we can ask ourselves – both as individuals and as a community – are we doing all that we can for our environment and for our people? Are we taking up the call to be humble and responsible stewards of our land and all its riches? Are we using our gifts, talents and treasures – our natural resources, our finances, our time – to the best of their ability and for the good of all people, not just a privileged few?

As we pray in this time for those affected by the bushfires, let us be open to the challenge of the prophet Job, as we ask ourselves, where can we find God in this?

Leader :

God of peace, having listened to your Word that sustains us, we now turn to you in our need as we pray:

Reader :

For those who have been devastated as a result of the bushfires. That they will find comfort and consolation in the healing presence of Christ as they work to restore their homes and livelihoods. Lord, hear us.

All :

Lord, hear our prayer.

Reader :

For the family and friends of those affected by the bushfires. That their hearts and minds will find rest, knowing that their loved ones are being kept safe and accounted for. Lord, hear us.

All :

Lord, hear our prayer.

Reader :

For all those who work or volunteer in the emergency services. That they may be rewarded generously for their courage to lay down their life for those in need. Lord, hear us.

All :

Lord, hear our prayer.

Reader :

For members of the community who have given of their time, treasures and resources to help those devastated. That their hearts may continue to pour out the generosity and love shown to them by the God of love. Lord, hear us.

All :

Lord, hear our prayer.

Reader :

For civic leaders to whom people turn for help and support. That they will work in the best interests of their people and serve with humility and grace. Lord, hear us.

All :

Lord, hear our prayer.

Reader :

For our Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander brothers and sisters. That their voices, which speak with great authority on the best practices for our natural resources, may be heard as our country moves into new and unchartered territory. Lord, hear us.

All :

Lord, hear our prayer.

Leader :

God of all love and mercy, listen with unfailing love as you hear the prayers we bring before you today and grant them through Christ, our Lord.

Leader :

Let us conclude this time of reflection today with our own silent prayer or intention to God. Pause for a few moments.

We make these prayers through Christ our Lord.

All :

Amen.