In light of the devastating bushfires, and the ongoing drought, the Australian Catholic Bishops have released the following prayer to support and be mindful of those in need:

PRAYER FOR THOSE AFFECTED BY BUSHFIRE AND DROUGHT:

Eternal God,

In wisdom and love You created our earth to sustain us and give us life.

We turn to You now in faith, hope and love, asking You to look with favour on our fire-ravaged and drought-stricken land, on our starving and displaced animals, on our failing crops and burning farms, towns and forests.

Strengthen, sustain and give new heart to our farmers and to all who are affected by drought; be with those who support them. Strengthen and comfort the victims of the fires, those who have lost family, friends, property and stock. Protect our volunteer firefighters and all members of essential services.

In Your loving providence, send abundant rain to quench the fires and to restore our parched earth.

Father of all compassion, hear our prayer through Jesus Christ your Son, in whom the promise of new life has dawned, and through the power of the Holy Spirit, the Lord the giver of life: Renew Your faithful people; Renew the face of the earth.

Our Lady of the Southern Cross, Mary, help of Christians – Pray for us.

St Mary of the Cross MacKillop – Pray for us.