In the aftermath of a personal tragedy, many of us seek solace and support from God through prayer. The hunger for a connection with God during an uncertain and unsettling time is natural. His power and presence at a time when we feel powerless is a beacon of hope and light in the darkness.
Hence, it’s no surprise that prayer has become a defining characteristic of the reactions of online communities in the fallout of fatal global incidents. Social media users append pray for hashtags to their posts that require little time before their trending across networks.
Although prayer is the default response for Christians as they try to make sense of such violence and destruction, when we actually get to the point of closing our eyes, bowing our heads and stretching out our arms, it’s not unusual to be unable to articulate how we feel and what we want from God. For those who have never prayed or haven’t prayed in a while, an initial inability to find the "right" words can be off-putting.
But these experiences don’t need to stifle anyone’s prayer life. Simple solutions—using biblical passages for instruction, praying with a friend, writing down your thoughts first—are all within reach.
What do you say to God when it seems as though everything is going wrong? Do you look to the Psalms for direction on how to communicate your cries for help? Or do you find your own words to appeal to God that those who are suffering will be made aware of the hope that He brings?
However you formulate your prayers in tragic times, you may find it helpful to add the ones below into rotation. If you know someone who’s trying to pray for the first time or the first time in a long time you could pass these on to them or share them on your social media accounts for others to use as inspiration.
Heavenly Father,
I am your humble servant. I come before you today in need of hope.
There are times when I feel helpless. There are times when I feel weak.
I pray for hope. I need hope for a better future. I need hope for a better life. I need hope for love and kindness.
Some say that the sky is at its darkest just before the light. I pray that this is true, for all seems dark.
I need your light, Lord, in every way. I pray to be filled with your light from head to toe. To bask in your glory. To know that all is right in the world, as you have planned, and as you want it to be. Help me to walk in your light, and live my life in faith and glory.
In your name I pray, Amen.
Dear Lord,
I know that you dwell among your people. I pray that those who are suffering and don’t know the power and peace that your presence can bring can be made aware of it today.
Please wipe the tears of those who weep and let them find comfort in your promise to end death, mourning, crying and pain.
Amen.
Loving God,
Welcome into your arms the victims of violence and terrorism; comfort their families and all who grieve for them.
Help us in our fear and uncertainty, and bless us with the knowledge that we are secure in your love.
Strengthen all those who work for peace, and may the peace the world cannot give reign in our hearts.
Amen.
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