Reason for the Season: Prayer
As I re-read this post from 3 years ago, I was reminded of the importance of prayer for our families, our communities and our nation.
In light of yesterday’s heart-rending event, I thought it would be appropriate to write on Prayer today. As our country observed one of the most brutal crimes, people are left in awe, heartbroken and fearful. Although we will never know what would cause a young man to enter an Elementary School and begin shooting innocent children and teachers, there is one thing that we can be sure of…. God is our comforter.
As we mourn for the families devastated by this act, we too feel a sense of insecurity in the face of the violence facing our country. How do we begin to process all that has happened? How can those who have lost their babies begin to heal from the pain? It begins with prayer. It is our lifeline to our Creator. Our voice raised up to Him in dire need of help. Not just for us, not just for them, but for our country. Psalm 10:17 says , “You hear, O Lord, the desire of the afflicted; you encourage them, and you listen to their cry.” He not only hears our cry, but He answers us from His holy hill. (Psalm 3:4) He knows the pain we experience, because He too experienced pain. He was rejected by His own people, whom He was giving up His life for. No matter what pain we experience, whether it’s a loss of a child, the loss of a parent or the pain from a wayward child, our Lord will comfort us. When we call out to Him in our times of desperation, He answers and gives us rest. He is our stability in the times of uncertainty. He tells us to fear not, when anxious thoughts of what could happen begin to rise up. He says be still, when our world feels out of control. He whispers I am here, when we think we are all alone. He is our source of life, the beginning and the end, the great I AM. Although tragic moments have a profound impact on us, they do not change who He is. As we draw closer to Christmas Day, nothing can prepare our hearts more than prayer. When we seek Him, we will find Him, and He will give us rest.
Practical Tips:
Individual Prayer– Many times we only think to pray when something bad happens. However, we can get into a rhythm of praying every day throughout the day. Here is a link to a powerful message from Joyce Meyer on Prayer.
Praying with Family– Praying together as a family not only invites the presence of God in (Matthew 8:20), but models to our children how to pray. I found a great article called How to Teach Children to Pray.
Corporate Prayer– Praying together as the body of Christ adds a whole new dynamic to prayer. Our church meets corporately once a month. Find out if your church has a monthly prayer service. It is a powerful time to come together and lift up our needs and the needs of others.
Prayer
Lord, we come to you today resting in who you are. We know that there will be tribulation in this world, but we are grateful that you have overcome it! Father we pray for the families of those that are affected by this tragedy. Lord we ask that you surround them with your loving arms, comforting them and healing them. God, for those who don’t know you, we pray that you would surround them with people who do and that they may minister life to them. In your son Jesus’ name, Amen.
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I am almost overcome with fear everyday that I drop my two precious daughters off to school in the morning. I began praying every morning for their safety at school today and always. Without Jesus to hold my hand in moments when I am terrorized by the “what ifs” of a cruel world, I would surely lose hope. Thank God He is here, through the Spirit amount us. We truly are not if this world… And it hurts excruciatingly sometimes.
Remembering all of those that endures their worst fear that day.
Wonderful sentiments.
Happy Christmas,
Megs
Meg, that is so true! We had just put our kids back in school when this took place. It was so hard not to feel fearful and concerned for their safety. Each day, I lay them down at the feet of Jesus, knowing He takes much better care of them than I do! Have a Merry Christmas!