The Lord tests the righteous and the wicked,
And His soul hates one who loves violence.
(Psalm 11:5 NASB)
For He shall give His angels charge over you,
To keep you in all your ways.
(Psalm 91:11 NKJV)
“Every public gathering is a large target and a small act of defiance.” – Sally Jenkins
I had originally planned a different post for today, but when we hear of terror attacks, we must pray. Even if you weren’t alive during the 9/11 attacks in 2001, you’ve likely read about them in history. Even if you weren’t personally affected by the Hamas attacks on Israel on October 7, 2023, you’ve probably seen the news coverage. And even if you’re not following the news closely, you may know that there have been at least 40 significant terror attacks since that date, along with two recent lone wolf attacks in the U.S.
I cannot understand the mindset or worldview that justifies intentionally killing, maiming, or harming large groups of people. It is unacceptable. But it is a call for all of us to pray against this evil.
Lord, we seek refuge in You, knowing You are our Rock, our Shield, our Protector, and our Provider. We thank You that Your righteousness and justice are perfect, and that You are always seated on Your throne in Your holy temple.
Today, we pray that You would be a strong tower of protection for Your people, whom evil seeks to destroy. From major political figures like Mr. Trump and his associates to everyday heroes like our local police officers and teachers, we ask that Your angels surround them and keep them in all their ways.
Where the wicked have devised plans to spread darkness, fear, chaos, or harm, we pray for divine intervention—both in the natural and the spiritual—to thwart every attack. Dry up their sources of finances, recruits, information, and communication—everything that fuels their schemes. Let natural or spiritual coals of fire, brimstone, and burning winds fall upon those who plot to harm others.
We pray for comfort, peace, grace, and provision for those who have lost loved ones in recent attacks. May Your healing touch bring them strength in their grief. We ask that answers and justice come swiftly, and that these senseless deaths would somehow serve to magnify Your Name and further Your Kingdom. In Jesus’ name we pray, Amen.
In the Lord I take refuge;
How can you say to my soul, “Flee as a bird to your mountain?
For, behold, the wicked bend the bow,
They have set their arrow on the string
To shoot in darkness at the upright in heart.
If the foundations are destroyed,
What can the righteous do?”
The Lord is in His holy temple; the Lord’s throne is in heaven;
His eyes see, His eyelids test the sons of mankind.
The Lord tests the righteous and the wicked,
And His soul hates one who loves violence.
He will rain coals of fire upon the wicked,
And brimstone and burning wind will be the portion of their cup.
For the Lord is righteous, He loves righteousness;
The upright will see His face. (Psalm 11:1-7 NASB)
I will give thanks to the Lord with all my heart;
I will tell of all Your wonders.
I will rejoice and be jubilant in You;
I will sing praise to Your name, O Most High.
When my enemies turn back,
They stumble and perish before You.
For You have maintained my just cause;
You have sat on the throne judging righteously.
You have rebuked the nations, You have eliminated the wicked;
You have wiped out their name forever and ever.
The enemy has come to an end in everlasting ruins,
And You have uprooted the cities;
The very memory of them has perished.
But the Lord sits as King forever;
He has established His throne for judgment,
And He will judge the world in righteousness;
He will execute judgment for the peoples fairly.
The Lord will also be a stronghold for the oppressed,
A stronghold in times of trouble;
And those who know Your name will put their trust in You,
For You, Lord, have not abandoned those who seek You.
Sing praises to the Lord, who dwells in Zion;
Declare His deeds among the peoples. (Psalm 9:1-11 NASB)