As we continue to pray over our cities, this week please include the island of Maui/Lahaina which is still recovering from the deadly fire in which over 115 were killed and just under 400 still missing. It the deadliest wildfire in the United States in over a century. Each passing day more information comes to the surface that seems to reveal the fires were more of a planned “crisis” to continue the culling of the population because things just don’t add up.
True or not, what IS true is that as a nation, we are distrustful of our government officials—and for good reason.
First, while the Maui fire has hit the news, many other big fires haven’t. As I write this there are currently 78 wildfires that have burned 603,921 acres in 14 states. (https://www.nifc.gov/fire-
Also, let’s look at some of the disturbing details of the Maui fire:
· An approx. five hour refusal to divert water that would have helped contain the fires before they went out of control. The deputy director who made the decision said the use of water was about “equity.”
· The delivery of supplies and medications were held up by bureaucracy as local area residents fought to get it released.
· Authorities failed to provide proper warnings to locals about the advancing wildfires. Emergency sirens did not sound and that cell phone alerts came too late.
· At one area police blocked exit routes as the fire approached telling residents to go back which added to the tragic death toll.
· Although the fires started August 8, it took until August 21 for Biden to finally show up and pledge federal help. He remained silent on the crisis for the first 5 days. That makes no sense. Recently when asked for an update in a press conference, he responded, “no comment.” White House press officials are now frantically working (again) to cover for Biden’s ongoing blunders.
There are lots of rumors and we will probably never know the full truth of what happened, but it is certainly one more instance of mismanagement from leaders who can’t seem to act in a timely fashion or perhaps were intentionally not taking action. It feels like a replay of the turnover of Afghanistan causing distrust of the government to reach a new high.
Father, we come to you on behalf of those living in the fire ravaged area of the island of Maui/Lahaina along with the 15 other states where fires have raged out of control. Our hearts hurt for those who live in these areas. We pray for those who have lost loved ones, their homes, jobs, security and the feeling of safety. We pray in this time of fear and devastation that they would find You. That You would be their source of help both spiritually, emotionally and practically.
We pray for immediate and practical needs to be met. For water and food. For shelter. For those who are missing to be found. We pray that supplies sent, will actually reach those in need and not be pilfered or withheld. We pray for truth as to what started the fires and regarding areas that have been mishandled that it will be made known and corrected rather than swept under the rug.
Father You said You keep track of all our sorrows. For those who have been weeping over this or other tragedy, You said You have collected all their tears in Your bottle. You have recorded each one in Your book. We pray that the ongoing devastation will be turned for good as only You can do.
As we pray for the island of Maui, our own city of (name) and our nation, Your Word says, You will defend our city to save it. As we exit August and enter what has been prophesied as a season of chaos and reset, we pray that Your glory would be revealed and for the heart of our nation and people to turn back to You during this shift.
Where there have been destructive forces at work in our cities; threats and lies, we ask for Your intervention. We ask that You would deliver the residents of Maui (and other areas in our nation) from those who are now at work to buy up their land at low prices and remove them from their homes. We pray that the governmental land grab would be foiled and that they would not be able to steal our homes, our land, our cities.
Deliver us! Deliver us form their evil plans in such a way that all will recognize it was by Your mighty hand. May it bring the fear of the Lord, so that all the kingdoms of the earth may know that You alone are God and Your name again be honored and revered.
Your Word says the house of the wicked will be destroyed, but the tent of the upright will flourish. May it be so.
Is 37:35, Ps 55:11, Is 37:20, Ps 56:8, Prov 14:11