Virginia Beach Shooting
The continuous news feeds of the Virginia Beach shooting flared within me a need to connect with you. Reading the different news articles, my heart cried out for the young men ranging in ages 18 to 22, the victims, officers, and community overall.
At a time where there is so much unrest, racism, discrimination, and violence, these outbursts are becoming increasingly more frequent. When these acts don’t touch us personally, we can run the risk of becoming very desensitized to everything around us.
I urge, then, first of all, that petitions, prayers, intercession and thanksgiving be made for all people— 2 for kings and all those in authority, that we may live peaceful and quiet lives in all godliness and holiness.
1 Timothy 2:1-2
Not my problem
Virginia Beach may not be our community; the persons involved may just be nameless faces, the acts of violence and crime may be distasteful; none of this matters. Let us stop not caring. Let us pray and continue to pray for our young men. Pray for communities stricken with violence and crime. For victims, officers of the law, and the government. Let us pray for families that are broken, that they may be healed. Join us as we pray for peace for our land and the world.
Prayer
Holy Father, You are the Lord Most High. Awesome is Your mighty deeds. The great King over all the earth. Your people who are called by Your name humbly come before You bowing down in Your glory. We seek You today in the face of the shootings that have occurred in Virginia Beach. Father, evil has penetrated our homes, our young men and our streets. Pride has become our stronghold, and it is killing victims in its wake. Father, we call for Your divine purpose to be shown into the lives of our young men and women. So many are scared, looking for acceptance or love. Many are trapped in the environments around them, not knowing a way out. Others have become comfortable with the wickedness they live in, thinking they are only good enough for that. In Jesus name, we pray for the chains binding them to be broken. We pray for generational curses to be lifted. We pray for a gentle breeze to enter their lives to show them a new way. Heal their hearts, Lord and guide them into Your truth. For our young people who are following your Word and keeping Your commandments, Your Word promises them that if they never become weary in doing good, at the proper time, they will reap a harvest if they do not give up. We pray that they will be steadfast in doing good. We know that the enemy wants to devour them. The enemy hates all of Your children and looks for ways that he can attack. May evil fade and wither like grass. Lord tighten the fence around your people and protect them from harm. For the government and officers who uphold the laws of the land, may You grant them courage, wisdom, and a heart to do what is right. May they fear You, Lord and celebrate Your rule with trembling. Father, we know that not every time they will get it right; in those times Lord, may we, as the people, lift them in prayer and grace. Oh Lord, heal the land. We intercede for every broken family right now, for every child longing for direction in this world, longing for hope, joy and peace. Proverbs 11 tells us that with a lack of guidance, a nation falls, but victory is won through many advisers. You, Lord, who loves each and every one of them and know them by name, has a good purpose for them. May they walk in that purpose. Guide them, Lord. We ask in Your powerful name Lord that You hear our prayer. To only You, Lord, we can pray. Only You Lord can heal the land. In Jesus’ name. Amen