I was planning to post our second week of Elf on the Shelf antics this week, but it doesn't seem right. On this overcast day here in TX, my hearts is heavy with anger, grief, anxiety, and disbelief. It's only fitting that the sun isn't shining when our nation, our world, is devastated by the Connecticut school shooting. I don't have any answers on gun control policies. I don't have clear cut opinions on how to transform the culture of violence that permeates our world. All that I have is the one place I know where to turn.
Heavenly Father,
We approach you today with hearts torn in so many pieces. Many of us have no personal connection to the tragic shooting today; some truly unfortunate ones do. We cannot begin to understand such evil. We can't begin to feel the horror of parents waiting to see if their children were the ones to come out of that school. We can't imagine how the Christmas season will for some be changed forever.
Our hearts are filled with fear. We live in a world where we tell our children that it's ok and we are here for them; they are safe and we will always protect them. We know deep within that this isn't really in our control. So today, Father, we give that fear to You. We lay it down at the foot of the Cross.
And we pray for our children. We pray not only that You always protect our little ones beneath Your wings, but also that You guide our children be lights in a dark world. Let the love You've placed in their hearts shine from within on outward to touch lives, change lives, and create a world of peace.
We know these children are with you now which doesn't necessarily heal our hearts just yet. Let them be angels to their families, friends, and community to bring comfort.
Protect us today and everyday, Lord, and bless each and every member of our world touched by the tragedy today.
In Jesus's name,
Amen.
6 comments:
Thank you for writing this. I've been praying all afternoon only to find my mind wondering about the shock and devastation that those folks must be feeling or just get so overwhelmed with emotions and fear that I couldn't finish.
So thanks for writing this and allowing me to use your words. I just prayed your exact prayer... it's beautiful.
Let them be angels (love that!) ...
Amen.
Beautifully said. I can't imagine what these parents are going through. It's heartbreaking!
Amen.
Beautiful prayer. I heard about this at work yesterday morning, and all I wanted to do was go home, curl up with my boys and cry. I know all of the sympathy in the world isn't going to make those parents feel any better, but I still hurt for them. I pray that God is a comfort to them, especially with the Christmas season here.
I am heartbroken for these families. I could not have said this better myself.
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