Hebrews 4:16
So let us approach the throne of grace with confidence, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help in time of need.
Dear Heavenly Father,
As we hear of another school shooting targeted at a Christian school, we hear these words from Hebrews that we can confidently approach your throne. This world is unchanged; Jesus said, “if the world hates you, you know it hated me first.” We live in a sinful world where people do not know your love and forgiveness, and they go to extremes to overcome the guilt and anger they suppress. If they only knew of your love and mercy!
Lord, so we approach you today to receive your mercy and grace. We ask for your tender care to go out to those mourning the loss of their loved ones; give them the comfort of your love that all who knew Jesus are also with him today. While the survivors’ losses will be felt here for many years, it is only temporary, and those martyrs will be seen again when we are reunited with them in heaven. Those who have been overcome by temporal death no longer struggle with grief, pain, or the weight of their sins. Through Jesus’ forgiveness, they are in heaven with you. So we pray for all the survivors; may they come to your throne of grace and mercy.
Lord, forgive us for any evil thoughts we might have against that shooter; her family is probably also struggling to understand this situation. We also ask that you would overcome any hate that might be stemming from this event.
Thank you for having your grace and mercy available for all, and we pray that through this senseless act, your glory will be revealed to all people and that many will come to know your grace and mercy through it. Amen.
Written through Pastor Roger Emmons
We wonder about these tragedies, but there was also a death that seemed senseless; an innocent man was sentenced to death, but that death made perfect sense. Jesus suffered and died, although he was completely innocent; he died for the world’s sins; for your sins—trust in Jesus!