Prayer has been a constant for me, an active communication with God that has been the balm sustaining me through good times and bad. And in the times I have drawn back, I find myself lost and alone. But I see its power in the disappointments and tragedies in my life, though they pale in comparison to the horrific events that are prevalent in our news today. And I wonder – is prayer enough? In the midst of escalating school shootings and mass murders of the likes of Santa Fe and Las Vegas, is it enough for people to offer their prayers?
I would say without hesitation, yes. When we pray with love in our hearts, and ready to receive God’s answer, I believe it not only is enough, but what this world so desperately needs. In the aftermath of violence, here are four top prayer needs that come to my mind:
- Prayers for victims of the crime, their families, and the families of the perpetrator. And yes, the perpetrator, too. Prayers for healing, prayers for God’s comfort, prayers for His grace.
- Prayers for our leaders and educators that they might come together and work as one to find answers to this malignant crime against not only society. but too often our precious children.
- Prayers for our children and their families. Prayers that families come together and discover once again what is necessary to raise children who love God, have a love of self and their neighbor, and who love, value, and have a reverence for life.
- And lastly, prayers for ourselves, that we may rise up to what God may ask of us. That we may come to the table with hope and a vision, while being able to listen to others and be open to finding a resolution together.
Is it reinstating the family dinner, where parents have time to ask children about their day at school – a time for children to feel valued and appreciated? Loved and cared for? Is it taking time with your child to be involved with what intrigues them, sharing a passion or perhaps learning something new? Is it being meticulous in finding someone who shares your values to care for your child and their needs for the times when work or other constraints do not allow you to be there?
Perhaps it is giving of your time to an organization that fills a need for homeless people or broken, at risk families. Maybe it is working with schools and city governments on a plan to add safety and protection to our schools.
God hears every anguished cry. But if you don’t feel His nudge, if you’re not sure of His answer, seek it. In his book, 40 Ways to Get Closer to God, Chip MacGregor says, “We should remember that although it is helpful to talk to God, prayer is much broader than simply ‘saying prayers’. Prayer is also about listening to God, whether he speaks through the Bible, other people, or gentle impressions in our own spirit.”
Responding to answer to our prayers is often not easy. I don’t always get it right. But I do believe in the power of prayer, and that when we pray from a heart filled with love and an ear tuned to God’s guidance, then together we can work toward a peace and understanding that comes from God alone.
There’s a song that plays on the radio that I love. It’s sung by Matthew West and it’s very catchy, and so true. It’s called “Do Something” and one of the verses goes like this:
“… The thought disgusted me
So, I shook my fist at Heaven
Said, ‘God, why don’t You do something?’
He said, ‘I did, yeah, I created you'”
To read about the inspiration for Matthew West’s “Do Something” and listen to the entire song, you can click here.
Let’s do something – one by one, group by group. or as a nation. But let’s not wait, and let’s start with prayer.
REBECCA DEMARINO is the author of A Place in His Heart, To Capture Her Heart, and To Follow Her Heart, an inspirational historical romance series based on the real lives of her ninth great-grandparents, the Hortons, who left persecution in the 1600’s for a new life in a new world. For more information and the opportunity to sign up for her newsletter-journal click here. As a thank you, you’ll receive a free prologue to The Southold Chronicles series.