God our loving Father, we are subject to the whims and impulses of our natural world.  You are the God of the plains, the hills, the rivers and the mountains of our country and we come before you to pray for those who fight fire; a good servant, but a terrifying master.

Like soldiers going to defend us, Lord, our volunteer fire fighters leave families, loved ones and their homes to protect us from the fires that ravage our land.  We earnestly pray for them as they work so tirelessly against such a deadly foe.

We remember and pray for the volunteers and residents who have been killed, and we commend them to your merciful love.  We pray for the volunteers and all who have been injured and we pray that you will stretch out your healing hands over them.

Father, be with all victims who have lost their homes, their animals, their crops and their livelihood.

Bless the many volunteers who support our fire fighters with food and drink, and all those who give to those left with nothing.

We pray too for killed or injured wild life; both native and domestic, and for trees and plant life that have been destroyed.

Send out your Spirit and renew the face of our injured and wounded land and all her people.

May our gathering in prayer increase our solidarity with all who give so much of themselves to protect so many.

In your boundless love, watch over us all and keep us safe.  We ask this through our Lord, Jesus Christ, your Son, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, forever and ever.  Amen.

Our Lady, Help of Christians, pray for us.

St. Mary of the Cross MacKillop, pray for us.

St. Florian, Patron Saint of Fire Fighters, pray for us.