A boat in Madera, Calif., sits perched on a mound near Hensley Lake July 14, 2021, as soaring temperatures and drought continue to affect livestock and water supplies. (CNS photo/David Swanson, Reuters)
As the West continues to experience severe drought in many parts of the region, which is leading to depleted water supplies, water restrictions, forest fires and more hardships, the Metropolitan Archbishops from Los Angeles to Anchorage are asking everyone to prayerfully implore the Lord to send us rain.
Please find as many ways as possible to make the prayer provided below available to your people. If possible, please pray at the conclusion of Masses, print in the bulletins asking people to post the prayer in their homes as a reminder to seek this much needed resource from the LORD. Let us renew our faith and exercise our belief that nothing is impossible for God.
Adapted Collect from the Roman Missal
O God, in whom we live and move and have our being, grant us sufficient rain,
so that, being supplied with what sustains us in this present life,
we may seek more confidently what sustains us for eternity.
Heavenly Father, we beg your protection,
save us from the perils of drought and fire,
so that we may continue to serve you in good health, safety, and peace.
Through our Lord Jesus Christ, your son, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, God, forever and ever. Amen.