Prayers for Senseless Tragedies

[Ttulipss]

This was passed out at my mil's church's prayer meeting Tuesday night.....wish I had this Tuesday as well to share with my church at our prayer meeting:


PRAYING FOR SENSELESS TRAGEDIES

PRAISE
Though it is difficult, start with praise. Focus on God's character.

*Praise God that He is sovereign, that He has ultimate control over all, and that nothing takes Him by surprise. (Is. 45:5-7)

PETITION/INTERCESSION
*Ask God to use this situation to bring unprecedented spiritual openness to people affected by the tragedy and ask Him to show His face to them.
*Ask God to bless the ministry that will be thrust upon the church or community affected by the tragedy. Ask HIm to empower them with a powerful witness when they are called upon to speak about or reflect on the situation.
*Ask God to stand against the enemy's attempts to make families experience unresolved angoer or guilt over the loss of loved ones.
*Ask God to focus the minds of public officials on the need for prayer and to provide people who will continue to pray for the situation.
*Ask God to equip leaders who will be called upon to mentor and minister to people in the aftermath of the tragedy. (Heb. 13:20-21)
*Ask God--for yourself and other--for a passion and love of Christ that drive out fear. (1 Jn. 4:18 )

THANKSGIVING
*Thank God that the enemy has made a tactical error, since martyrdom and persecution have always strengthened the church, and that GOd will use for good what Satan has intended for harm. (Gen. 50:20-21)
*Thank God for the people who will be drawn to seek God's face because the overwhelming nature of the tragedy leaves them nowhere else to turn. (Jon. 2:1-9)
*Thank God for a vivid reminder of your own mortality and vulnerability, asking Him to prepare your heart and spirit for a faithful response when you are faced with tragedy.

--Sandra Higley, Lani Hinkle. "Praying for Senseless Tragedies," Pray!, Nov/Dec 1999.