>
>PRAYING FOR "SENSELESS" TRAGEDIES
>
>When we hear about another random act of violence, our
>first response is usually to pray away the pain or pray
>that this will never happen again.
>
>But how can we pray beyond the fear and shock, beyond the
>most obvious needs, for the issues of the kingdom? Below
>are prayer points that were originally written by Pray!
>staff the morning after the September 15, 1999 church
>shooting at Wedgwood Baptist Church in Fort Worth, Texas.
>Once again, as a nation, from a human perspective we are
>unable to make sense of the horrific situation we are in.
>We hope that they will act as a springboard for your own
>prayer in the wake of tragedies that defy human
>understanding and are becoming more frequent.
>
>
>PRAISE
>Though it is difficult, start with praise. Focus on God's
>character.
>
>* Praise God that He is sovereign, that He has ultimate
> control over all, and that nothing takes Him by surprise
> (Is. 45:5-7).
>
>
>PETITION/INTERCESSION
>* Ask God to use this situation to bring unprecedented
> spiritual openness to people affected by the tragedy,
> and ask Him to show His face to them.
>* Ask God to bless the ministry that will be thrust upon
> the church or community affected by the tragedy. Ask Him
> to empower them with a powerful witness when they are
> called upon to speak about or reflect on the situation.
>* Ask God to stand against the enemy's attempts to make
> families experience unresolved anger or guilt over the
> loss of loved ones.
>* Ask God to focus the minds of public officials on the
> need for prayer and to provide people who will continue
> to pray for the situation.
>* Ask God to equip leaders who will be called upon to
> mentor and minister to people in the aftermath of tragedy
> (Heb. 13:20-21).
>* Ask God--for yourself and others--for a passion and love
> for Christ that drive out fear (1 Jn. 4:18).
>
>
>THANKSGIVING
>* Thank God that the enemy has made a tactical error, since
> martyrdom and persecution have always strengthened the
> church, and that God will use for good what Satan has
> intended for harm (Gen. 50:20-21).
>* Thank God for the people who will be drawn to seek God's
> face because the overwhelming nature of the tragedy
> leaves them nowhere else to turn (Jon. 2:1-9).
>* Thank God for a vivid reminder of your own mortality and
> vulnerability, asking Him to prepare your heart and
> spirit for a faithful response when you are faced with
> tragedy.
>
>--Sandra Higley, Lani Hinkle. "Praying for Senseless
> Tragedies," Pray!, Nov/Dec 1999.
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