LCC issues call to prayer for Yellowknife, West Kelowna, and other areas affected by wildfire

UPDATE (August 19): Since this story was posted, British Columbia has declared a province-wide state of emergency as a result of wildfires, with 15,000 people  in the province currently under evacuation order as of this update. In particular, the cities of West Kelowna (population 36,000) and Kelowna (population 150,000) are on high-alert, with fire already destroying numerous properties north of West Kelowna. The prayer at the end of this article has been updated to include reference to this threat as well.

CANADA – Lutheran Church–Canada (LCC) is issuing a call to prayer for the residents of Yellowknife, as the entire capital city of the Northwest Territories has been issued an evacuation order.

The city’s 20,000 residents have been ordered to leave by Friday afternoon, as wildfires continue to move dangerously close to the city. As of Thursday morning, the fire was just 16 kilometres from Yellowknife.

“I encourage all the people of Lutheran Church–Canada to lift up the citizens of Yellowknife in prayer,” said LCC President Timothy Teuscher. “And not just the people of Yellowknife: there are countless Canadians who have faced or are facing the threat of wildfire this year. May God keep them all safe, and may He bring much needed rain to the areas most seriously affected.”

“I encourage all the people of Lutheran Church–Canada to lift up the citizens of Yellowknife in prayer,” said LCC President Timothy Teuscher.

The evacuation of the capital city of one of Canada’s territories underscores the severity of this year’s wildfire situation—one that officials have called Canada’s worst on record. So far this year, more than 13,678,000 hectares (nearly 33,800,000 acres) have been burned. Multiple communities throughout Canada have at some point faced temporary evacuation orders this year, including several served by LCC congregations. Hundreds of buildings have been destroyed, including more than 150 homes in the Halifax-area alone in fires earlier this summer.

Canadians have also watched with sadness the severity of wildfires in places like Hawaii. More than 100 people are confirmed dead in Lāhainā, for example, and more than 1,300 people are still missing after wildfire ravaged the community.

LCC members and congregations may wish to use the following prayer as they keep the wildfire situation throughout Canada and elsewhere in prayer: 

Prayer: Almighty and everlasting God, we bring before Your throne of mercy and grace the residents of Yellowknife who have been forced to evacuate their homes due to wildfires, as well as those in West Kelowna, Kelowna, and other parts of our nation similarly afflicted. Protect them from harm and danger, and protect also those on the frontlines fighting these fires. Give strength and comfort also to those who have lost homes and loved ones, including in the recent devastating fire in Hawaii. Restore by Your blessing what the flames have devoured and reduced to ashes. Raise up compassionate hearts to provide help and assistance for those afflicted. And according to Your power and in Your mercy, bring an end to these fires; through Jesus Christ, Your Son, our Lord. Amen.

———————

Print this article