In light of what is going on in the United States and around the world right now, I feel it is appropriate to change the direction of my weekly post and simply post a prayer. A prayer for healing, forgiveness, peace, and the transformative truth of the gospel to shine in the darkness. At the bottom of this post is a link you can use to submit a prayer request. I would be delighted to pray with you about these issues. I am no expert, but I want to listen and grow into what God has for us in these dark days.
Heavenly Father,
Hallowed be your mighty name. You are the Holy God who does not change. You know all, you see all, and you are Lord and God in every crevice of this universe you have created. None of this surprises you. You have looked down on earth and had your heart grieved many times (Gen. 6:6) – more than we will ever know. Please guide our prayers and words to honour you in these tragedies.
We first pray for the families of those who have lost loved ones to violent injustice. Those who have had to suffer watching their family members die at the hands of those who were to protect them. You promise in your word that, “The Lord is close to the broken hearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit” (Ps. 34:18). Please Lord, be near to them in their grief and righteous anger at the sin they have witnessed. Also, give grace to them not to sin in their anger (Eph. 4:26). You sent your own perfect Son to die unjustly at the hands of sinful men. You know their pain, be near to them as a Father to his child.
We pray for those of us who look on and weep with them. Please grant us the grace to grow in our understanding of what it means to “weep with those who weep” (Rom. 12:15). Grant that our grief be genuine and godly. Lead us to repentance (2 Cor. 7:10) in our own hearts where needed, and grant that powerful works of your gospel be done where we have opportunity. Lord, you have given us the blessing of bearing your image in this world. In these times of conflict, strife, and unrest, grant us the power we need to respond with truth, love, and grace. Thank you for making a world of many cultures, nations, and tongues; and calling all of them to praise the name of Jesus. Grant us patience in understanding the hurts and challenges of fellow image bearers. Please convict us of complacency and apathy; do not let us fall back into the comforts of life but rather press into your work in this world and the truth of your word.
Father, we think of those churches that serve in cities that burn physically, spiritually, and emotionally across the world. I pray you would give them divine strength to pray, serve, preach, and love their city. Give all your Church courage to be voices for the least of these so as to serve Christ (Matt 25:40). I pray that as churches wait to gather again they would be represented in their community in loving acts of care to any who are in need. Bless your Church as peacemakers, that we may be called children of God (Matt 5:9).
God of justice, we lift up those appointed to maintain order and law in our world: police officers, administrators, and other first responders. We ask that you would give them wisdom and strength to serve with excellence. Please move in such a way as to remove those who would serve unjustly and promote those who uphold the rule of law. We desperately need our law enforcement officers to reflect your heart. From the colleges, to the chiefs, and to every officer on the streets; press the enormous weight of their responsibility under God on their hearts. Please use them as peacemakers, not peace-breakers.
For our leaders, those at the municipal, provincial, and federal levels, grant clarity to them to see the systemic poisons that need to be corrected in accordance with your word and design. You are a God of law and order not chaos, of good not evil. Please empower our government to serve for the flourishing and good of ALL their citizens. Please forgive our nation for turning its back on you and shine your face on us for your glory.
Heavenly Father, as hard as it is, we also pray for those who have committed these crimes and for those who are violently destroying their cities. We pray for justice to be done swiftly, in accordance with your word and character. We ask boldly that you would use what was meant for evil for good (Gen. 50:20). We pray for their repentance, that they would know you and be forgiven for their sins. We pray for public demonstrations of remorse, confession, and ownership of sins committed. “A broken and contrite heart, oh God you will not despise” (Ps. 51:17).
Lord, ultimately, we have no power to bring about any eternal change without your help. We cast ourselves at your mighty feet knowing that you are “our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble” (Ps. 46:1). Please do not turn your face away from us. The only hope this world has for reconciliation is the good news of Jesus Christ. Thank you that you tore down the dividing wall of hostility between nations, tribes, and tongues on the cross (Eph. 2:24). Thank you that we can stand on the promise that in your kingdom there is neither Jew or Gentile, slave or free, white or black, but all are loved, valued, forgiven, and empowered in Jesus (Gal 3:28). You have done the work and are bringing it to completion (Phil 1:6); work through your Church as we humbly seek to know your will, love your flock, and see lost people brought to salvation in Jesus Christ. Heal our world, gracious Father. Come, Lord Jesus, Come.
In Jesus name we pray, Amen.
I want to pray for you:
If you need prayer in this time, if you would like to express concerns, or if there are practical ways I can serve you in these hard days, please do not hesitate to let me know. This link is a card you can fill out that will be kept confidential; you can also add your contact information if you would like to be reached more personally. Even if you do not attend our church, Bethel Bible Chapel, I would love to hear from you and pray for you.
