A Prayer for Newtown,Connecticut

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A word from our pastor at Mariners Church, Kenton Beshore:

"God, news is everywhere of the shooting in a Connecticut elementary school. I’m overwhelmed. We

 all are. Shocked, saddened, angry at the evil in this world. Lord, pour out your grace on the families

 who have lost those they love. Surround them with Your love in this time of confusion and grief.

 Please heal and restore in this seemingly hopeless situation.

Lord, how can we experience Christmas and sing about peace on earth and good will to all in the face 

of this? How can I reconcile those words with what I see today? Remind me that You are good. All the 

time. Even today. Remind me that even through unimaginable acts of evil, You are able to work all

 things together for good.

Today, it's so hard to remember You are sovereign and just. It's so hard to give thanks in all things. I

 don't understand, but God, You are worthy of my trust. You are worthy, God.

I need the words of the old Christmas carol, “I Heard the Bells on Christmas Day”.

And in despair I bowed my head;
"There is no peace on earth," I said;
"For hate is strong,
And mocks the song
Of peace on earth, good-will to men!"

The promises of Christmas always shine brightest in the darkest moments. What we celebrate is that

 You will restore and rebuild everything that sin has taken. God, we cry out, “Your kingdom come.” 

We long for a time when there is no more violence, hatred, injustice, cruelty, ambulances, hospitals, 

and death. We long for a world of beauty, health, and love. God, give us what we’ve never had.

The song goes on to say,

Then pealed the bells more loud and deep:
"God is not dead, nor doth He sleep;
The Wrong shall fail,
The Right prevail,
With peace on earth, good-will to men."

Lord, You are not dead. You will bring peace. You will prevail."