You, O Lord, are our rock, our fortress, and our deliverer. Be the sanctuary in which all those who flee from the deadly Palisades, Hurst, and Hollywood Hills wildfires in California can find refuge. Be their shield against the flames which threaten to engulf them, their stronghold in the midst of destruction.
Hear all those who call to You in their distress, the street people and the screen stars, and all whose homes and livelihoods are endangered. Hear those who cry to You for help. Hear their voices, and may their cries reach Your ears, that You would shelter them from the fires raging around them.
Gird up the first responders, the firefighters, the emergency medical personnel, and the rescue teams with Your strength. Be their shield and defender, that they may be effective agents in saving the imperiled. Arm their hands for the battle before them. Equip them with the weapons of deliverance. Keep them from growing weary in the face of the relentless hours ahead, and protect them from all harm.
These, our fellow Americans, are precious in Your sight. Give them shelter in these days within the protection of Your loving arms.
In Your saving name, we pray. Amen.
Almighty God, who has brought me to the beginning of another year and by prolonging my life, invite me to repentance, forgive me that I have mispent the time past; enable me, from this instant, to amend my life according to thy holy word; grant me thy Holy Spirit, that I may so pass through things temporal, as not finally to lose the things eternal. O God, hear my prayer for the sake of Jesus Christ. Amen.
—Samuel Johnson
The Interfaith Staff Prayer Room is open for congressional staff to use for personal prayer and meditation. For questions – email StaffPrayerRoom@mail.house.gov
Members and staff are invited to join Chaplain Kibben for a brief time of wreath lighting, prayer and scripture reflection as we prepare for the Christmas holiday. Please email ChaplainOffice@mail.house.gov for more information.