Note: This prayer is an interactive, guided prayer. The bracketed portions are the places for you to pray for specific groups or people, as noted. May God bless your prayer time!

Dear Lord,

Our hearts are heavy today from the events at this school. We are shocked it happened again, this time in our beloved community. We struggle to understand why.

Yet we have something many don’t. We have faith and trust in You – and we can share this heavy burden with you, Lord. You cry with us.

The burden we carry with You, Lord, is lighter than those without faith. Those crushed by the world who plot evil schemes to cope.

Your Word tells us:

Do not fret because of evil men or be envious of those who do wrong. For like the grass they will soon wither, like green plants they will soon die away. (Psalm 37:1-2)

                [Let us pray for the students and staff of the school.]

Indeed, we are to trust in You, Lord, and do good; to dwell in the land and enjoy safe pasture. (Psalm 37:3)

                [Let us give thanks for the first responders and emergency personnel.]

When we commit our way to You and trust in You, You make our righteousness shine like the dawn, the justice of our cause like the noonday sun. (Psalm 37:5-6)

                [Let us pray for justice and healing.]

Let us pause and be still before You, Lord, and wait patiently for You. (Psalm 37:7)

                [Let us pray for the students shot and their families.]

You tell us to not fret when men succeed in their ways, when they carry out their wicked schemes. To refrain from anger and turn from wrath. And so, in time, we offer grace with Your help. (Psalm 37:7-8)

                [Let us pray for the family of the shooter.]

Through the darkest of days when we shift our focus to You, instead of our circumstances, You lighten our load.

                [Let us pray for Your peace to envelop all who are fearful.]

You have told us these things, so that in You we may have peace. In this world we will have trouble, but we are to take heart for You have overcome the world. (John 16:33)

                [Let us pray for Your healing hand to begin working.]

You are bigger than this tragedy. For with You is the fountain of life; in Your light we see light. (Ps 36:9).

                [Pray we see Your light through the darkness.]

When our thoughts are anxious knots – You untangle them. Let us cast all our anxiety on You because You care for us. (1 Peter 5:7).

                [Pray for all those who are afraid or worried.]

When we can’t find a way – You can. You are our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in trouble. Psalm 46:1.

                [Let us give thanks for Your strength and opportunities to share our hope with others.]

In every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, we present our requests to You. (Phil 4:6)

                [As we process this tragedy, let us continue to bring everything to You.]

When we bring You back into our worldview – we carry the burden together. Indeed, You invite us to come to You, all who are weary and heavy laden, and You will give us rest. When we learn from You, we find rest for our souls. (Matthew 11:28-30)

                [Pray we can rest in Your goodness and grace and share the same with others.]

When we experience tragic circumstances – we carry the burden together because You care for us. Let us take refuge in You and Your presence.

Amen.