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The Weekly Word
by Pastor Donna
Business as Usual? No! Stop and Pray NOW!
I have been sitting in my office all morning trying to write something for the weekly word. To be honest I feel overwhelmed by what has taken place in Lewiston, Maine. This, on the heels of all that is happening in Israel and Gaza. In a matter of minutes, 18 dead and 13 wounded. Furthermore, at the time of this writing, the shooter is still at large and could be heading anywhere, leaving me with a sense of foreboding that will be there until he is found.
With the shooter still at large, I feel anxiety and fear that others may die. Much like I felt when the Tsarnaev brothers were on the run after the marathon bombing. I knew Sean Collier, the MIT security guard who was gunned down. He used to come to my Karaoke gig. Today, the sadness and grief is revisiting me.
I am reminded what Mr. Rogers said, “…Look for the helpers. You will always find people who are helping.” So many helpers have converged on Lewiston, Maine. Those there to comfort and council, those searching for the suspect. And those prayering, and supporting and feeding. Like many others, I wonder where God is? Then I imagine God saying, “I am here but you have to understand everyone has a free will and I have given you the power of prayer.
So, let’s pray:
Dear Heavenly Father,
We gather before you today with heavy hearts, as another mass shooting has shattered lives and caused pain. We lift up to you all those who are filled with fear, embrace them tightly with your love, and grant them a sense of peace that surpasses understanding.
For the families whose loved ones will not come home, wrap them in tender arms of comfort, ease their grief through your unwavering presence, give them strength to face each new day without their beloved.
To the wounded physically and those wounded souls seeking healing, pour out your miraculous touch upon their bodies and minds. Grant them physical strength as they navigate this difficult journey.
For the people of Maine directly impacted by this tragedy, May they find solace within their communities united. Grant resilience amidst adversity And guide them towards healing from this collective pain.
Lord, we also bring before you all those retraumatized each time such violence occurs. Unlock doors within their hearts where fear resides. Replace it with hope and determination to create change. Help us embrace one another as allies on this path toward healing.
We pray for those searching that you would protect them and give them the wisdom and foresight to apprehend the shooter.
We ask that you touch the hearts of our leaders, ignite within them an urgency to address gun violence in America. Guide their decisions as they navigate these complex issues, grant them wisdom and courage to take meaningful action.
Finally, Lord, in your infinite grace, we pray for comfort and peace for all those affected. May the broken hearted find solace in your loving embrace. Guide us towards a safer tomorrow, free from this sickening epidemic. Where love triumphs over hate, and peace prevails.
Amen
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