Read: Isaiah 43:1-3a

Reflect: The long days of summer are now in full swing. It’s the season for camping, backyard barbeques, and so much more! Unfortunately for many of us in the western United States, summer has also become known as wildfire season. Lightning strikes; hot, dry winds; and human carelessness increasingly contribute to the number and size of wildfires which threaten animals and their habitats, endanger human lives and property, and make the air unfit to breathe.

This week the prophet Isaiah reassures us that God does not abandon us in times of disaster or distress. We are named and claimed by the one who created us. We remember that fire is a good and necessary part of God’s creation . We acknowledge that we have a responsibility to live with care for all living things. We give thanks for all firefighters and first responders who risk their own lives and health to protect us and others from dangerous wildfires!

Prayer: Holy God, in you alone we find safety and shelter. Be a sure refuge to all suffering from wildfires. Grant courage, protection, and favorable weather to firefighters and emergency responders; embrace with supportive communities all who are newly displaced or homeless; comfort those grieving all that has been destroyed and give patience to those who are anxious, not knowing when relief will come. Heal your whole creation, that out of flame and ashes new growth will spring forth. We pray through Jesus Christ our life and our strength. Amen.

(from All Creation Sings, p. 50. ©2020 Augsburg Fortress, used by permission.)