When we hear about another random act of violence, our
first response is usually to pray away the pain or pray that this will never
happen again.
But how can we pray beyond the fear and shock, beyond the most obvious needs, for
the issues of the kingdom? Below are prayer points that were originally
written by Pray! Staff the morning after the September 15, 1999 church
shooting at Wedgwood Baptist Church in Fort Worth, Texas. Once again, as a
nation, from a human perspective we are unable to make sense of the horrific
situation we are in. We hope that they will act as a springboard for your own
prayer in the wake of tragedies that defy human understanding and are becoming
more frequent.
PRAISE
Though it is difficult, start with praise. Focus on
God’s character.
Praise God that He is sovereign, that He has ultimate control over
all, and that nothing takes Him by surprise (Is 45:5-6).
PETITION/INTERCESSION
Ask God to use this situation to bring unprecedented spiritual
openness to people affected by the tragedy, and ask Him to show His face
to them.
Ask God to bless the ministry that will be thrust upon the church or
community affected by the tragedy. Ask Him to empower them with a
powerful witness when they are called upon to speak about or reflect on
the situation.
Ask God to stand against the enemy’s attempts to make families
experience unresolved anger or guilt over the loss of loved ones.
Ask God to focus the minds of public officials on the need for prayer
and to provide people who will continue to pray for the situation.
Ask God to equip leaders who will be called upon to mentor and
minister to people in the aftermath of tragedy (Heb 13: 20-21).
Ask God-for yourself and others-for a passion and love for Christ that
drive out fear (1 Jn 4:18).
THANKSGIVING
Thank God that the enemy has made a tactical error, since martyrdom
and persecution have always strengthened the church, and that God will
use for good what Satan has intended for harm (Gen 50: 20-21).
Thank God for the people who will be drawn to seek God's face because
the overwhelming nature of the tragedy leaves them nowhere else to turn
(Jon 2:1-9).
Thank God for a vivid reminder of your own mortality and
vulnerability, asking Him to prepare your heart and spirit for a
faithful response when you are faced with tragedy.
--From Sandra Higley, Lani Hinkle,
"Praying for Senseless Tragedies," Pray!, Nov/Dec 1999. This prayer
guide may also be viewed at NavPress.
When we hear about another random act of violence, our
first response is usually to pray away the pain or pray that this will never
happen again.
But how can we pray beyond the fear and shock, beyond the most obvious needs, for
the issues of the kingdom? Below are prayer points that were originally
written by Pray! Staff the morning after the September 15, 1999 church
shooting at Wedgwood Baptist Church in Fort Worth, Texas. Once again, as a
nation, from a human perspective we are unable to make sense of the horrific
situation we are in. We hope that they will act as a springboard for your own
prayer in the wake of tragedies that defy human understanding and are becoming
more frequent.
PRAISE
Though it is difficult, start with praise. Focus on
God’s character.
