Prayer for California Victims

O God:  We pray that your loving presence may be felt in the California community that has experienced a tragedy that claimed so many lives. It is hard for us to imagine the magnitude of so many lives lost so suddenly and the grief and sorrow that it has brought. Yet you tell us in Isaiah 53:3 that Jesus Christ was “a man of sorrows and acquainted with grief and suffering.” We pray that all pain suffered there today and in the days to come may be joined with the suffering of Christ upon the cross to work your redemptive power in the world. May your love pour forth through the prayers, presence and service of your caring people from all nations to begin the healing process. Heal those who have suffered bodily and mental injury. Comfort those who are grieving the loss of dear ones. Bind together the community in grace and faith. Send your helping angels and your life giving Holy Spirit. In the name of Christ, your suffering servant we pray. Amen.