Today my heart breaks as I watch television coverage of the horrific tornado that tore through Moore, Oklahoma. As I write this I am seeing that at least 51 people have died. The news is reporting that 24 of those are children who died in an elementary school.
I have no words. I have no file for this kind of devastation.
I ask you to join me in prayer for the people of Oklahoma.
Lord, Jesus, what in the world? We live in a world where bad things happen and we are prompted to wonder why. Why do little children have to die? Why do homes have to be ripped to shreds? I don’t have the answers, but I know you do. I know your Father heart grieves over the death and destruction that has occurred. You never planned it this way. Yet, we live in a fallen world where bad things happen and we must trust you in the midst of what feels like hell itself.
Today, Father, I ask you to hold the people of Oklahoma closely to your heart. Help them move past the shock of what has happened and begin healing. Lord, I pray for the families who have lost loved ones. Little children, husbands, wives, mothers, fathers. No one knew when they left home this morning that they would not return. Yet, it could have been any of us. None of us are guaranteed to take another breath. I ask you to minister your comfort and grace to the families who have lost precious family members. For those who have been injured in this disaster, I ask you to work through physicians and other medical personnel to bring healing to their bodies. Emotional healing in the aftermath of such a tragedy comes slower. Please help those affected emotionally to begin to heal.
Finally, Lord, please help us trust you in all things. In the midst of destruction and tragedy or joy and happiness, help us turn our gaze to you and fix our eyes on Jesus. In the strong and mighty name of the Lord, Jesus Christ, I ask these prayers, Amen.
