A reading from the book of Jeremiah (30:18)
This is what the LORD says: “’I will restore the fortunes of Jacob’s tents and have compassion on his dwellings; the city will be rebuilt on her ruins, and the palace will stand in its proper place.”
——
O God of mercy and restoration,
God of compassion
who blesses the broken in spirit,
we stand before the ruins and ashes
of what was once a home—
a place of shelter,
of love,
of family,
of friends,
of laughter,
of memories.
The flames have taken so much,
and our hearts are heavy with loss.
Yet even in the midst of destruction,
in the midst of our despair,
we turn to You,
for You are our refuge and strength,
a very present help in trouble.
You have walked with Your people
through fire and flood,
through wilderness and storm,
and You are with us now.
Hold us, Lord.
Hold us all in Your tender care.
Comfort those who grieve what has been lost.
Give strength to rebuild,
to renew,
to reimagine.
Give courage to take the next steps.
Grant us faith to trust that new beginnings are always possible in You.
🙏🏽 (sprinkling holy water on the ashes)
Bless this ground, this holy fertile soil.
Bless the plants and animals
that spring from this garden.
Bless all who have called it home.
🙏🏽
Let love rise once again from these ashes.
Make the bonds of family and community
stronger than ever.
Though the fire has consumed
businesses, worship spaces, parks, and homes,
the fire has not taken away hope.
The fire has not taken away kindness.
The fire has not taken away Your presence among us.
For we know you are here
beside us
on this Camino.
We entrust our future into Your hands,
knowing that You make all things new.
In Christ's name, we pray.
Amen.
by The Rev. Mel Soriano