Thoughts and Prayers

My heart is heavy after yet another mass shooting. I would like to offer my thoughts and prayers. There is much reviling of “thoughts and prayers” these days, as though these are passive and empty. I suppose there are people who say “thoughts and prayers” and don’t actually pray. There are definitely non-believers who hate to hear the word “prayers” because they hate God and anyone who follows Him. There are people who think prayer is meaningless folly. And then there are believers who pray with little faith and think real action is up to humanity. I am none of these. I believe that prayer is effective, bringing divine wisdom, strength, consolation and peace. I believe it can help people transcend in a situation that seems insurmountable. I believe it can bring unity in division and heal all wounds. Jesus said with faith the size of a mustard seed, mountains could move (Matthew 17:20). Mustard seed is much smaller than a penny. I hope my faith is at least that big. Is yours? Maybe together we can move a lot of mountains. 

So here are my thoughts and prayers: I pray for the souls of the dead. I pray for God’s face to shine upon them and that they rest in peace. I pray that they know beauty beyond measure in the perfection of Heaven. I pray for those who lost loved ones, friends and classmates. I pray for their hearts to be consoled, that they have peace that surpasses understanding, that they can forgive even what the world would easily find unforgivable and that they won’t lose their faith. I pray for them to feel palpably God’s closeness and the love of all Americans. I pray for survivors, those connected to the school (like parents), the first responders, school officials and journalists. There’s a lot of trauma. I pray for the release of that trauma to God and for healing. I pray for fear and panic to be replaced with peace. I include journalists covering the story because I used to be a journalist, and I’m very aware of how heavy it is for those who tell the story. I pray for students, parents, school officials, and first responders around the country who are scared and worried. I pray for our peace. I pray that we put our trust in God and remember the protection of our Guardian Angels. I pray it reminds us to be more loving with the time we have and that we can be instruments of peace. Honestly, I also pray that it helps us consider that we aren’t guaranteed a single day and that we work out our salvation. I pray it points us more solidly towards Heaven. I pray for our faith in the resurrection and for our courage. I pray for lawmakers and those who want change. I pray for wisdom. I pray that we do pray for what really ails the heart of America. I pray for the healing of the root of the problems that cause hatred, rage and violence in word and deed. I pray for unity in America. Tragedy can lead to division or it can rally us together. I pray that we come together to love each other more, take care of each other and watch out for each other. Unity is what Jesus prayed for right before He went into His Passion (John 17:11). I add my prayer to His. And I pray for the shooter and others like him. May God deliver them from evil in the name of Jesus. Love is greater than evil. So with love, I pray for repentance and conversion. Saint James says the prayer of a righteous person is very powerful (James 5:17). And Romans 4:3 says faith is credited as righteousness. So with faith and in the name of Jesus, I offer my thoughts and prayers with the expectation that mountains can be moved.