Prayer Responses
Pastor Paul Geisler
Living Waters Lutheran Church\
Mansfield, Texas
We hardly know what to say, so even praying can seem difficult and
un-focused at best. But that's okay, because the Spirit can help us, and
even pray for us, when we don't know what to say or even how to feel.
"The Spirit helps us in our weakness; for we do not know how to pray as
we ought, but that very Spirit intercedes with sighs too deep for words."
(Romans 8:24-26)
Whatever you do, be sure to hug your loved ones today, and let them know
that we will all be held securely in God's arms.
Some suggested prayers:
We pray first for the families and friends of the thousands of innocent
victims, and for the safety and courage of all rescue workers on the scene
and the medical personnel pressed to the max of their physical and emotional
abilities. Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.
We pray for the leaders of our nation, as well as the leaders of nations
throughout the world, that these events may somehow bring us together without
unnecessary violence. May God grant wisdom and courage to the world's
leaders to seek a peaceful and healing path. Lord, in your mercy, hear our
prayer.
We pray for our own families and friends, for our local community and
neighborhoods, that God would give us hope and comfort to face the next few
days and weeks with strength and healing, working in unity with each other to
strengthen our own families and neighborhoods. Lord, in your mercy, hear our
prayer.
We pray amidst the confusion of many different and confusing feelings and
thoughts
that our anger will not lead to rage and revenge,
that our fear will not lead to panic and chaos, and
that our extreme sadness will not lead to despair and a
readiness to give up.
We pray for faith, courage, and hope to walk into tomorrow with the strength
of your love and mercy. Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.
Lord, graciously hear us, for we seek you alone. Calm our bodies and minds
with the peace which passes understanding, and make us radiant with joy.
Heal the hurt, console the grieving and hurting, protect the innocent and
helpless, and deliver ay who are still in danger; for the sake of your great
mercy in Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen
Psalm 46
God is our refuge and strength,
a very present help in trouble.
Therefore we will not fear, though the earth be moved,
and though the mountains be toppled into the depths of the sea;
though its waters rage and foam,
and though the mountains tremble at its tumult.
The LORD of hosts is with us;
the God of Jacob | is our stronghold.
There is a river whose streams make glad the city of God,
the holy habitation of | the Most High.
God is in the midst of her; she shall not be overthrown;
God shall help her at the break of day.
The nations make much ado, and the kingdoms are shaken;
God has spoken, and the earth shall melt away.
The LORD of hosts is with us;
the God of Jacob is our stronghold.
Come now and look upon the works of the LORD,
what awesome things he has done on earth.
It is he who makes war to cease in all the world;
he breaks the bow, and shatters the spear, and burns the shields with fire.
"Be still, then, and know that I am God;
I will be exalted among the nations; I will be exalted in the earth."
The LORD of hosts is with us;
the God of Jacob is our stronghold.
A Prayer Attributed to St. Francis:
Lord, make us instruments of your peace.
Where there is hatred, let us sow love;
where there is injury, pardon;
where there is discord, union;
where there is doubt, faith;
where there is despair, hope;
where there is darkness, light;
where there is sadness, joy.
Grant that we may not so much seek
to be consoled as to console;
to be understood as to understand;
to be loved as to love.
For it is in giving that we receive;
it is in pardoning that we are pardoned; and
it is in dying that we are born to eternal life.
