5th day of Novena

A special prayer for the families affected by this terrible tragedy in San Bruno, California.

This city is about 30 minutes away from where I live.

For the victims, the survivors, and those in the hospitals critically injured.  Lord help them.

For the fire fighters on duty, Lord help them to turn off the remaining fires, to avoid more damage to other neighborhoods.  Protect them.

In Jesus name, we ask this, Amen.

Prayer for 5th day of Novena, from the Oblate Missions website.

God, our Heavenly Father, we truly learn to
 appreciate the light only in the measure that
 we've been exposed to the darkness.

We truly learn to value what we have only to
 the degree that we have been affected by its loss.

Gradually and ever so slowly our illnesses
 have become our teachers.  We feel a sense
 of urgency to live each day to the fullest
 because today is the time to flourish,
 to expand, to discover.

We have the need to do all those things
 we used to procrastinate about.  
We need to speak the words we've
been afraid to say before.

In our illnesses we get in touch with the heart
 of life 
as people have become so important 
and as we realize that the smallest
things in life are indeed the greatest.

Our disappointments have become a revelation
 and our silence has turned into worship of you.  
We thank you and we praise you today.  Amen.