Prayer Guides Christians in Targeted Support for Los Angeles Wildfire Victims
Christians across the nation are joining in prayer for victims of the devastating Los Angeles wildfires that have claimed at least 27 lives.
“There’s been an enormous outpouring of social media memes to pray for LA, and that’s a good thing,” said Phil Cooke, a Christian media expert and Hollywood producer, who is a former Los Angeles resident. “Despite the criticism from secular people, I believe prayer changes things — and often changes the person praying.”
Instead of generic prayers, however, he encourages Christians to pray for specific needs. According to Metro Voice News’ coverage of disaster response, targeted prayer and assistance have proven most effective in previous natural disasters.
“The Bible encourages us to be specific in our prayers,” Cooke said. “In Matthew 20, Jesus asked, ‘What do you want me to do for you?’ Philippians 4 says, ‘Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God.’ So I’d encourage us all to be specific when it comes to prayer.”
These prayers are a good place to start:
• Elderly people who have lost everything and have to start over
• Disabled people who have limited options for escaping the fire and restarting their lives
• Those who are alienated or live alone from their families through divorce, brokenness or death and have no one in their family to call on for help
• Those living in poverty with no financial resources
• Those who have lost their home insurance
• Those struggling with the emotional devastation that comes with losing everything
“Now, get just as specific regarding generosity and financial help,” he said. “Before you give to organizations you don’t know anything about, I would start with organizations with a proven track record, like The Salvation Army or The Dream Center. If you want to get more specific, give to groups you have a personal affinity with, such as relief efforts launched by churches and religious organizations, business groups or people in the entertainment industry.”
Metro Voice News reports that verified organizations have the infrastructure to ensure donations reach those most in need. Although prayer and giving are vital, targeted efforts are even more effective.
“Let’s get specific in our prayers and with our giving,” Cooke said. “And don’t be an impulse giver, sending support at the beginning and then dropping off. Remember, it will be decades before many of these houses are rebuilt and people can move forward. Regardless of how you feel about the cause of the fires, let’s immediately decide to help the people who have lost so much and face an uphill battle in the future.”
