At the time of this writing, several dangerous wildfires are burning in the western United States, including the recent Yarnell fire started by lightning that killed 19 “hot shot” Prescott, Arizona, firefighters. A whole town in that area has been decimated. Flags in Arizona are flying at half-staff. Many are praying for the firefighters and their families. 

Prayer is a powerful help when we’re faced with dangerous and destructive conditions such as these. I have been praying to know that in spite of the evidence of these fires, those impacted by the fires are under the safety and control of the one Mind, another name for God. Fear, which attempts to convince us otherwise, cannot be legitimate, because it is no part of omnipotent Mind.

Mary Baker Eddy, the Discoverer and Founder of Christian Science, defines fire in her book Science and Health with Key to the Scriptures. The very first word of that definition is “fear” (p. 586). This points to the spiritual fact that as we remove fear from our thinking by replacing it with the allness—the ever-presence—of God, who is causing only good, we can lessen the threat of destruction from fire and other natural forces. The 23rd Psalm in the Bible comforts us and commands us not to fear—especially this verse: “Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil; for thou art with me; thy rod and thy staff they comfort me” (verse 4). 

It’s been predicted that the high winds sweeping across the dry brush in Arizona will accelerate the fire’s spread. This brings to mind another definition by Eddy: “Wind: That which indicates the might of omnipotence and the movements of God’s spiritual government, encompassing all things” (Science and Health, p. 597). While material conditions may seem ripe for further destruction, we can assert that God is, in fact, governing. And where great comfort is needed for families and responders, we can know that God, divine Love, now surrounds and supports them, holding them securely in His love.

I had an opportunity to put these prayerful concepts into practice several years ago during a close encounter with a smaller wildfire. My daughters and I had traveled across the United States from the East Coast to the Wyoming Big Horn Mountains, where I taught at the National Girl Scout Camp.

While material conditions may seem ripe for further destruction, we can assert that God is, in fact, governing. 

We enjoyed the beauty around us as we lived in tents in a high mountain meadow around many animals. One night, I felt impelled to take a walk. As I examined the sky over one of the horse camps about a mile away, I discovered smoke. Looking closer, I could see that the barn and surrounding fields were on fire. I awakened others and manned the mess tent, giving water and food to the counselors who ran to contain the fire, and receiving those youngsters from the horse camp.

Conditions looked grim. The weather was dry and windy (conditions that spread fire), and the surrounding meadows were filled with other children camping. I could see the fire trucks slowly winding their way up the narrow road toward us, and I prayed with the ideas I’ve mentioned, seeking to witness the safety of all. 

Sometime during the night the wind abated, and all the children, adult workers, and horses were safe. The fire trucks were finally able to get to the scene and put out the fire. We were tired, but happy the fire had not spread and was contained. I felt God’s presence had been manifested. 

When I’m faced with an apparently uncontrollable force, I often think of the quote “thus far and no further” (a paraphrase of Job 38:11). In Science and Health, under the margin caption “All force mental,” Eddy explains: “Adhesion, cohesion, and attraction are properties of Mind. They belong to divine Principle, and support the equipoise of that thought-force, which launched the earth in its orbit and said to the proud wave, ‘Thus far and no farther’ ” (p. 124). Surely this concept can be applied to the “waves” of a wildfire as well.

In the Bible we are told that as Jesus was asleep in a boat “there arose a great storm of wind, and the waves beat into the ship, so that it was now full … and he arose, and rebuked the wind and said unto the sea, Peace, be still. And the wind ceased, and there was a great calm” (Mark 4:37–39). We, too, have scriptural authority to say to the destructive forces of mortal mind, that mind which claims to be opposed to God, “Enough!” As we see and affirm with conviction that all power comes from God, we can express that divine authority, just as Jesus did, to prayerfully still the destructive elements and so-called forces of nature.

As our hearts go out to these brave firefighters and the families who have lost loved ones, we can know that the Christ, the eternal manifestation of God to humanity, is present to heal and comfort. Our prayers can bring blessings to all affected.