In my distress I cried out to the Lord; yes, I prayed to my God for help. He heard me from his sanctuary; my cry to him reached his ears. (Psalm 18:6 NLT)
God will wipe away every tear from their eyes; there shall be no more death, nor sorrow, nor crying. There shall be no more pain, for the former things have passed away. (Revelation 21:4 NKJV)
God, my heart is so heavy for these families and friends of the murder-suicide last week. I didn’t know them, but I have friends that do. And the despondency – the pain that led to this – the devastation of these parents, siblings, nieces and nephews, friends, teachers – how do you work through this?
Fix your eyes on ME, Child. This is not yours to carry.
I know it’s not. Why do I feel for these strangers?
It is right to care. It is not yours to carry. There are pains and torment that are very deep in some people. I AM even there.
But these young lives….
I AM even there. Pray for them.
Ok, Lord.
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God of Peace,
Thank you that you are our Rock, our Fortress, our Shelter in the time of storm. You are our Creator and what you create is good. Thank you for the life you bring forth and the breath of life you pour into us. Today we pray that your people would pour out prayers for this murder-suicide and the deaths of their six children.
God we pray you will be very present and minister comfort to all those who grieve.
-for parents dealing with the loss of beloved children and grandchildren
Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.
-for parents dealing with the knowledge their cherished son chose this devastating path
Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.
-for siblings/aunts & uncles who are trying to navigate these losses for themselves and help their children and parents
Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.
-for pastors, teachers, and other community leaders who may wonder what they could have done to prevent this tragedy, and now are tasked with helping others to process it
Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.
-for friends and other community members dealing with the shock and trauma of eight lives lost, but many lives impacted.
Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.
-for playmates, friends, and peers and their families as they navigate the questions and grief of this situation
Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.
–for the first responders and law enforcement officers who witnessed this tragedy and are now investigating it, especially those who knew the family.
Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.
Lord Jesus, today we pray against the spirits of death, suicide, and despondency that are in parts of our society. In the name of Jesus we command them to leave people alone, and declare that NO MORE will they have the minds and hearts of people who are struggling. We bind these spirits and release spirits of hope, peace, and love. May your goodness and light inhabit places that were formally filled with despair and darkness.
Truthful God, we pray against any type of news media that tells untruths. Protect these grieving friends and families from intrusive outsiders who invade the holy places you meet people in grief and trauma. Thwart ungodly communication, stop lies, and guard this grieving community with your supernatural angels.
Holy Spirit, we pray that your peace and comfort would rest upon all who are grieving. Lift their eyes to you, and remind them that their help comes from the Lord, the Maker of heaven and earth. Assure them that when they cry out to you in their distress, you hear them and are near to the brokenhearted.
Guard their hearts, minds, and spirits. Surround them with your presence, grant them strength, wisdom, and discernment for the days ahead, and fill them with your deep, abiding shalom—your peace that brings wholeness, comfort, and rest.
In the midst of their sorrow, anchor their hearts in the hope that only you can give: the promise that one day you will wipe away every tear from their eyes. There will be no more death or mourning or crying or pain, for the old order of things will have passed away. Until that day, keep their eyes fixed on you and their hearts anchored in the hope of your presence and the promise of eternity with you.
In the strong and compassionate name of Jesus, we pray. AMEN.
Whatever you bind on earth will be bound in heaven, and whatever you loose on earth will be loosed in heaven. (Matthew 18:18 KJV)
I lift up my eyes to the mountains—where does my help come from? My help comes from the LORD, the Maker of heaven and earth. (Psalm 121:1-2 NIV)