God is our stronghold, our fortress, and our refuge. God is the One to turn to in times of trouble, not for an explanation, but for comfort, peace, and renewal. So I would like to invite you to turn with me to God in prayer.
Thank you, Jesus, that You are our Rock eternal, our Savior and Refuge. Thank you Jesus, that you ARE victorious. That you have given us a free will to accept or reject you. Thank you for the first responders who bravely entered the school and dealt with the initial trauma. Thank you for the teachers who bravely protected the children in their classroom. Thank you for every life spared.
Lord, we pray for the families of those that lost their lives: That they would turn their lives to you, Father, that in their sorrow you would grant them strength and grace to make it through the coming days and months. That they would return to you, Lord, with all their heart, with fasting and weeping and mourning. That mercy and comfort would be extended to their tender hearts. That this Christmas the families that are grieving would recognize the glorious peace and comfort that comes through faith in you.
Lord we pray for the siblings of those who lost their lives: That You would protect them from the enemy of their soul, that they would find comfort in their family and in the knowledge of your great mercy, that You would be present in their sleep and the darkness of their heart would be warmed by Your light. That You Abba Father would comfort them during difficult days ahead.
Lord we pray for the family of Adam Lanza: That they would not be judged as they mourn the loss of their mother, brother, and victims in this tragedy. That You would give the Sandy Hood School families and community strength to forgive.
Lord we pray for the students, faculty and administration of the Sandy Hook Elementary School: For You to bestow mercy to the children's healing hearts as they mourn the loss of their classmates, administrators, teachers and their perceived safety. That You would restore the school classrooms with spiritual and emotional healing. That children and families would cling to You as their Rock, Fortress, and Deliverer. For You to be present in the rebuilding of lives and programs in the wake of this tremendous tragedy.
Lord we pray for all of our schools and communities across the USA: That we Americans would humble ourselves, pray, seek Your face and turn from our sinful ways, that You, Lord would hear from heaven and forgive our sin and heal our land.
Lord we pray for our schools, the administrators, the teachers, the students, and their families. We pray for wisdom, safety and peace as they work to better Your world. In the name of Jesus we pray.
“Now to him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to his power that is at work within us, to him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, for ever and ever. Amen.” Ephesians 3:20-21
Philippians 4:6-7
May they not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present their requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard their heart and mind in Christ Jesus.”
Lord our God,
we bless you.
As we come together to ponder the Scriptures,
we ask you in your kindness
to fill us with the knowledge of your will
so that, pleasing you in all things,
we may grow in every good work.
We ask this through Christ our Lord.
Amen
May God, the source of all patience and encouragement,
enable us to live in perfect harmony with one another
in the spirit of Christ Jesus.
With one heart and one voice
may we glorify God,
now and forever.
Amen
Lord, we thank you for our family
For the talents and good things that you have given each of us
Please guide us, protect us and equip us
This day and every day
As we grow together in Your love
Amen.
God be with our family,
From the youngest to the oldest,
Lighting up our relationships,
Sowing grace into our troubles.
God be with our family,
Weaving love into our work,
Our rest, and our play.
Amen.
Father in Heaven,
We praise You for giving us Your Son
To be our Saviour and Lord.
Bless us all as we gather here today, (tonight)
And let us live happily in Your love.
Hear our prayer, loving Father,
For we ask this in Jesus' Name.
Amen.
Heavenly Father, I thank You for Your Word that says, we must watch out for those who cause divisions and puts obstacles in our way that is contrary to the teaching we have learned. So right now Father, we pray for this community meeting, that every obstacle that aims to stop your work been completed, be cast into hell in Jesus Name. I pray that every contrary spirit be exposed in this community meeting, Amen.
Lord, help us to both abide in You and engage in the world, so Your Gospel is lived out among us; so it becomes public truth.* Holy Spirit, we beg you for revival in our hearts and in this place. Show us our hearts. Bring down the idols among us so You are sovereign over all here. In light of the souls at stake, grant us boldness to take risks and even to fail for the sake of Your kingdom. Breathe that Kingdom to life here. Let us work for the City of whom You are the designer and builder.