It is right to mourn with those who mourn the terrible loss of life in the terrorist attacks in Paris, as well as Beirut the day before and Baghdad last weekend.
It is right that we turn to God in times of sadness and suffering. Psalm 46:1 says that “God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble.”
The following is a prayer I prayed today at City on a Hill: Melbourne.
God of the nations, whose sovereign rule brings justice and peace, have mercy on our broken and divided world.
We pray especially today for those affected by the terrorist attacks in Paris and likewise for those affected by attacks in Baghdad and Beirut.
Be with those who grieve the loss of loved ones,
Be with those who give and receive medical treatment,
Be with those who live in fear and confusion,
Be with those in positions of authority and give them wisdom in their response.We long for the day when your perfect justice will roll down like waters, and righteousness like an ever-flowing stream.
But we ask that in wrath you would remember mercy
We know that left to ourselves we are all deserving of your judgment because of our sin and rebellion against you.And so we thank you that your justice and mercy came together perfectly at the cross of your only begotten Son, Jesus.
We thank you that you made Jesus to be sin who knew no sin, so that in Him we might become the righteousness of God.
Thank you for the everlasting life found only in our risen King
We pray to you because you are the Father of mercies and God of all comfort, who comforts us in all our affliction, so that we may be able to comfort those who are in any affliction, with the comfort with which we ourselves are comforted by You.
We ask that, by the power of your Holy Spirit , you would enable Christians around the world to stand firm in Jesus, and shine like a light in the darkness, pointing others to the comfort and care we’ve found in Christ.
As Christians respond with radical love for their enemies, may many find the eternal safety and security found only in Jesus.
In His name we pray,
Amen.
The opening line of the prayer is adapted from Common Prayer book. The various bible passages throughout are adapted from the ESV.