A Prayer in the Wake of Fire

March 26, 2014

We offer up a prayer in the wake of this afternoon's fatal fire in our Back Bay neighborhood.

O God, Gracious God, for Boston firefighters whose lives were lost today,
hear our prayers.
    Welcome those who departed this life into your gentle embrace.

For firefighters hospitalized, wounded and struggling with injuries, hear our prayers.
    Grant to them strength and healing.

For grieving families and stunned colleagues, hear our prayers.
    Upon these pour out waterfalls of tenderness.

For those burned out of house and home, hear our prayers.
    Surround them with friends and family and the comfort of love.

For neighbors who saw and heard and felt and smelt the terror of fire, hear our prayers.
    Ease their fears and keep them safe from harm.

We give you thanks for uncommon courage and the resolve to help others,
even unto death.

Amen.