It’s amazing how tragedy gives birth to prayer. My prayers are with those grieving and healing from the senseless acts of violence. As news of terrorist acts and violence unfold there is an outpouring of prayers. As necessary and beautiful as this is, what if we have it all wrong? What if instead of praying after the tragedy we prayed before it ever happened.
We have a profound opportunity each day to pray for ourselves, each other, our leaders, and our world before tragedies occur.
1 Timothy 2:1-3 Living Bible (TLB) is alive with hope,
Pray much for others; plead for God’s mercy upon them; give thanks for all he is going to do for them. Pray in this way for kings and all others who are in authority over us, or are in places of high responsibility, so that we can live in peace and quietness.
So I challenge you for the next 30 days to pray this simple scripture-based prayer or pray your own. It is not my words that have power but God’s Word that holds great power.
Dear God,
Thank you for Your power and Your presence. Forgive us, Lord, for any hate, fear, judgment, or worry. Your will for us is to live in peace. We release our faith right now in the name of Jesus that Your perfect love casts out all fear and that You give wisdom, discernment, and sound sober minds to each of us and our world leaders.
Help us, Lord to walk in love, to see each other through the eyes of grace, and to experience your peace that passes all understanding. We ask that You place a hedge of protection around all of us and that we have a profound knowledge that we are safe under the shadow of Your wings. Let Your favor surround us like a shield, and Lord, bless us to be a blessing.
Jesus we trust in You, have mercy on us. Thank you, Lord, for hearing our prayers and all You are doing in and through each of us. We thank you, Lord, we pray this in your Holy Name. Amen
Please share this, and together let’s create a powerful wave of hope and love.
Much love to all,
Debbie Milam
Author of Overtaken by Grace and Lord Show Me You Are Here