A Prayer in the Wake of the Newtown Tragedy

O God, our hearts are heavy over the unspeakable tragedy we have witnessed in Connecticut. We are devastated for the families and loved ones of those who lost their lives so violently and tragically. Please bring them the comfort and the peace that only You can provide. Be present with them during their immense grief.

We do not pretend to understand why someone would commit such a heinous act. It is yet another reminder that evil is real and that our adversary the Devil is hard at work in our world turning hearts against You. We know that in this sinful and broken world, hatred and violence and suffering can spring up anywhere. And we know that our lives are fragile, that they are like a vapor which is here one moment and gone the next. We know that we are not promised lives free of violence and pain and suffering.

But O Father, we trust in You. Though we do not know why, we trust in You. We long for the fullness of your kingdom to come- a kingdom in which there is no death, no violence, no tears, no fear, no evil. A kingdom where love and justice and peace will reign forevermore. A kingdom where You, our Sovereign King, will have completely vanquished evil and where You will sit on Your throne forevermore. We declare today as your children, "Lord Jesus, come quickly."

Until then, Father, be with us. You are not a stranger to suffering, You who sent Your one and only Son to suffer and die on that cruel cross for our sins. And so, as your Son Jesus Christ entered into a world of violence and suffering over 2,000 years ago, may He enter into the suffering of so many in Connecticut, and all over our nation, at this hour. We are thankful that we serve a God who hears the cries of His people and who comes down to meet our needs and to heal our hurt. Lord, come down to us now. In Jesus' name, Amen.