Dear Heavenly Father,
People are scared. Our city’s freaking out. When I turned on national news today I saw the same mountains I see from my front porch. The fires are spreading. I smell smoke in my house; I feel its burn in my eyes. I hear sirens, and I see floating ash… in my kitchen.
Hotels housing yesterday’s evacuees are being evacuated. The cloud in the sky today looked like pictures I’ve seen of atomic bombs. My own high school, just minutes away, is a Red Cross Shelter. I heard a reporter say we should leave the city if we can. I heard “national emergency.”
Lord, You know just hours ago I read the children’s version of “Jesus Calling” with Joey. You know how much Your words in the adult and children’s versions mean to me daily. I wish everyone in my city–every elderly person being evacuated from their nursing home, every father trying to get home to his family, every person whose house is burning down–could be comforted by Jesus’ words today:
“I go before you as well as with you into this day. Nothing surprises Me. I know exactly what will happen–both the good and the bad. Trust in Me and don’t be afraid. Stay close to me, and I will not let you be overwhelmed by anything that happens today. I will help you through it all… whatever comes your way.” (Jesus Calling ~ June 26, 2012)
I can just hear people saying, “Yeah, right. Where’s God in these fires? How can He be letting all this happen? How is He helping?” Lord, I pray You shine Your love and grace into people’s lives as brightly as the fires burn. I pray You protect every single person in danger, every firefighter, every animal. Please help people help people.
Please give wisdom to those in charge of putting out the fires. Please stop the winds, and please send Your rain.
Lord, when all this is over, I pray we’ll see Your saving, sovereign hand in unique ways. For now, help us trust in You and not be afraid. Thank You for “helping us through it all… whatever comes our way.”
In Jesus’ name I pray,
Amen.
“From the Lord comes deliverance. May your blessing be on your people” (Psalm 3:8).
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Beautifully written Laurie. Having been in your exact situation twice, I know the stress and fear, and how people can panic. Then the peace that goes beyond all understanding steps forward, and make himself known in His words. I echo your words, “please let people help people”. I believe that is how God is glorified in a tragedy such as this.
Thank you, Brian. As I write this almost 24 hours later, that is what I see as I look out my window–peace. There is still a great deal of smoke, and I know these fires are far from contained, but I also see blue sky, calm trees and birds flying. God has been answering our prayers, and people have been helping people all day. Thank you for caring and continuing to pray. ~ Laurie
We are praying for you and your family! Praying for safety, wisdom, and divine protection. Please keep me posted. Your words are heartfelt… Thank you for sharing this prayer from deep in your soul. Xxxxooooo
Dear Julie,
Just hearing from you soothes my soul! Thank you for your prayers… I have truly felt God’s calming presence all day. There have been some very sad losses in our city but I know God is with us. Thank you for always being His love to me:)
Laurie
The idea of smoke and ashes in the house had completely escaped me, until I read your words here. Thanks for making it real, and for leading us to Jesus right in the middle of it all.
Tomorrow, at TheHighCalling.org, we’ll be running an article about the fires in CO. At the end of the article, we’ll include a link back to this post. We believe others in The High Calling network will appreciate this prayer. Thanks so much for sharing your words with us. Grace and peace to you…
Deidra,
Thank you so much. I’ve only recently become acquainted with The High Calling and look forward to getting to know your network much better. It was after I saw the floating ash in my kitchen I felt called to stop everything and pray. As I was praying I felt called to write down what I was saying. I’m grateful my words found their way to you and pray your readers will be blessed.
~ Laurie
Laurie,
I’m not in Colorado, nor have I ever lived there. But when tragedy like this happens, we are truly all one in God’s family. Know that my prayers (however meager they may be) are said daily for you, your family, the animals, the plants, and all those whose lives are so devastatingly affected by this horrible fire. May God’s soothing grace and peace wash over all and everything. God’s peace be with you.
Connie,
Thank you for taking the time to write… I really appreciate your words and your prayers (and don’t consider them meager at all!). God’s sovereign, saving hand HAS been apparent, and I pray many souls have become closer to Him “in this fire.”
God bless you! Keep in touch:)
Laurie
Prayers for you and your family.. and your neighbors.
Was sent here by today’s post at http://www.thehighcalling.org
David,
Thank you very much for your prayers; please know they’ve been answered in numerous ways. Thank you also for including my prayer on your excellent post. I couldn’t agree more that the strongest, most powerful place we can be is on our knees. Thanks for proclaiming that message. I look forward to getting to know both your writing and network better:)
Blessings in Christ,
Laurie
Laurie – I also stopped by from The High Calling. I’m praying with you.
Dear Charity,
I am so touched by the outpouring of support that has come from writing a simple prayer to God. He is AMAZING. Thank you for praying and taking the time to write. May God bless your heart, and please do keep in touch!
Lots of love,
Laurie
Laurie,
Your prayer for people to help people in Colorado, as well as your blog about Pebbles, truly blessed me. As I pray, I feel closer to God and feel the presence of the Holy Spirit. I have friends in Monument, close to Colorado Springs, from whom I haven’t heard. I pray The Lord will give them peace. My problems seem so small compared to those of the people in Colorado. I signed up for your articles.
Blessings,
Eyrline
Dear Eyrline,
Thank you for writing… your words bless me! I’ve prayed for your friends in Monument and hope you’ve heard from them by now. We had a WONDERFUL rain tonight–one week since the fires–and I could almost feel the land healing! The moisture felt like soothing love from heaven! Thank you for mentioning Pebbles, too… she is doing GREAT. I’m so glad her story blessed you, and I look forward to staying in touch!
In Christ’s love,
Laurie
I used to be stationed in Colo Springs @ Cheyenne Mt Complex. It’s a special place to me and have many fond memories of that beautiful area.
You have written a beautiful prayer. Thank you for the moments of contemplation.
Steve,
Thank you for taking the time to write and for the encouragement. You’ll be happy to know Colorado Springs is looking very moist and green tonight! God’s beauty prevails:)
Blessings,
Laurie