“For from within, out of the heart of men, proceed the evil thoughts, fornications, thefts, murders, adulteries” (Mark 7:21).
“The heart is more deceitful than all else, and is desperately sick; who can understand it?” (Jeremiah 17:9).
“Indeed, there is not a righteous man on earth who continually does good and who never sins” (Ecclesiastes 7:20).
While the verses above, and many more like them, explain man’s evil acts against one another, at least to those who belong to God’s family, this does not relieve the grief and trauma of violent acts. West Texas, specifically Odessa and Midland, have been the recent victims of one man’s rampant rage ending in death, injury and the terror of many.
Stopping the wrongdoer, as necessary as that is, never puts things back in proper order as they were. The loss of life and the anger, grief and anguish it causes is indescribably unbearable. But then there is the ongoing terror and distrust that lingers. God help the children; God help us all . . . Compassionate American patriots want to help our sorrowing brothers and sisters, our friends and neighbors. So we reach out in any act of love and kindness we can muster. Dear friends, the very best we have to offer are our many prayers for them to our loving heavenly Father. America prays . . .
Father, our Loving God, You alone are the Author, Designer, Creator and Sustainer of our lives; You know the torment of the grief-stricken, You are paying special attention to the prayers of the brokenhearted. Hear Your children who cry out to You in their confusion and need; reinforce their hope in Your eternal and righteous goodness.
Today we pray for the families and friends of those who have died because of violent of acts of terror. Be near to all who have been affected by this violence: those who have been injured or hurt, who have lost loved ones or their feelings of security. May they experience Your eternal Peace and Joy.
Precious LORD, be their constant comfort and safe place of rest.
For America, may hate be exchanged with love, violence with peace and darkness with Your Light. May we experience a great outpouring of Your Spirit upon all men, In Jesus’ Name, Amen!
