For a country that has asked God to step away from our affairs, it is in times like these that we desperately look to Him for hope. In the wake of the Newtown, CT shooting, here are some legendary words of hope and comfort for all of us who are experiencing trials and sufferings. "Blessed be the God of all comfort, who comforts us in all our tribulation, that we may be able to comfort those who are in any trouble. And as you are partakers of suffering, you also will partake in consolation." -Paul, 2 Corinthians 1.4-7
Our prayers and thoughts are unceasing to God on behalf of the families and friends of Newtown, CT. Sympathy and action are being poured out from across the globe. Calls, contacts, gifts, words, and even visits are being made by consolers from every continent. This is what tragedy does. It is how we all react when another is down. Here are 4 prayers of mine at this time in our lives:
1. We must be praying for the families and friends of the children and adults who were slain. Praying for His presence. As the creator of all mankind, we must place God over this situation. We are assured in times like these that people's hearts will fail them and that God is the only source for which they will find comfort. Sometimes just letting people know that they are not alone is great comfort. For a country that has asked God to step away from our affairs, it is times like these when we desperately look to Him for His presence.
2. We must be praying for administration, faculty, and staff of our education system in America. Praying for strength. The heroic stories of educators who have saved many lives through the years in US school tragedies must be told. We send our greatest human resource to schools all across America every week for an education. Because of the great influence that faculty, teachers, and staff have on our children, we are praying that God will encourage them and give them wisdom. For a country that has asked God to step away from our affairs, it is times like these when we desperately look to Him for strength and wisdom.
3. We must be praying for our nations families as they process this tragedy in discussion.
Praying for wisdom. Parents are going to be having some difficult discussions over the coming months. It will take wisdom to heal graphic memories. In our world there will be trials and pain. Of that we are assured. Even as Americans we are not immune to suffering. But, we must pray that wisdom can help in the healing of tragic moments. For a country that has asked God to step away from our affairs, it is times like these when we desperately look to Him for wisdom.
4. We must pray for revival in the church and in our nation.
Praying for change. In every generation there has been evil. However, the light must shine in the darkness in greater intensity. We have seen a timeline of shootings that has increased in intensity over the years and this must stop. Where there is a lack of value for human life, danger will always be amongst us. There must be a movement and a shift in every community religious life. Where is the church? Where are youth ministries? How about the para-church organizations? All of us need to do more. To be seen and present. To be with the community we live in. For a country that has asked God to step away from our affairs, it is times like these when we desperately look to Him for a national revival.
Again, may we all look to God our creator for His presence, His strength, His wisdom, and His revival. "Blessed be the God of all comfort, who comforts us in all our tribulation, that we may be able to comfort those who are in any trouble. And as you are partakers of suffering, you also will partake in consolation." -Paul, 2 Corinthians 1.4-7
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