Dear Lord,
We come to you with heavy hearts. Hagar called you El Roi, the God who sees me, and I know that you see us now. You have said, “Blessed are those who mourn, for they shall be comforted”, and Lord, we need that comfort now more than ever.
There has been so much hate and violence in the world as of late, and people are hurt, and they’re tired, and they’re scared. Left, right, your children, the lost, and people from every part of the world, we all need the comfort and rest that only you can give.
You say, “Come to me, all who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you, and learn from me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light.” I welcome your yoke, and I will find my rest in you.
I pray for my brothers and sisters in Christ that we all may be able to show your love to the world around us, that we may be light in the darkness, and that we stay grounded in your word so that we can love our neighbors and pray for those who persecute us, as you have asked of us.
I pray for the lost, that they come to know and love you. I pray that they call on your name and believe in you. I pray that they accept your loving gift of salvation, so that even when their hearts are broken, they feel the peace that only you can provide.
I pray for every person who has been touched by tragedy, both current and remembered. I ask that you comfort victims, loved ones, first responders, medical staff, and every single person impacted.
I pray for those who don’t have the words. Let them find comfort in the knowledge that you know the words even when we don’t, and you know our prayers even when we can’t say them.
Like you did for Joseph, I ask that you take what was meant for evil and use it for good. I pray that you use all of this pain, heartache, and tragedy to glorify your kingdom, to win more hearts to you, and to heal our world.
I trust in your plan, Lord, even when I can’t understand. You tell us to “lean not on our own understanding”, and I fully acknowledge that I don’t understand, but I give it all to you.
Thank you for letting me rest in you, Lord.
In Jesus’ Holy Name, Amen.