On Sunday, a mass shooter open-fired on those gathered for lunch at Taiwanese Presbyterian Church in Laguna Woods, California, killing one and injuring five. The man who died actually gave his life to save the others. He confronted the shooter, who shot him multiple times. If it wasn’t for that sacrifice, many more may have died. John 15:13. When the gunman stopped to reload his weapon, the pastor hit him with a chair, and others from the congregation used an extension cord to hogtie him.
Other shootings also occurred Sunday in Winston-Salem and Houston. Just the day before, a mass shooter open-fired on shoppers at a Buffalo, New York, supermarket, killing ten and injuring three more.
Lord, thank You for the bravery of those who saved lives by stopping gunmen this past weekend. In light of so much evil and hatred in our midst daily, give us courage to love and forgive, to be willing to lay down our grievances, prejudices and even our lives for love. 1 John 3:16.
O Lord, if not for You, we, too, could be overtaken by demons of hatred and violence. For we are all sinners and we have all fallen short of Your glory. Romans 3:23. So, we ask You, please, to have mercy on every person bent on violence and murder. Meet them in such powerful, life-changing encounters with the One whose name is Love that they fall to their knees in repentance and fear of You, surrendering their hearts to the only One who can heal, transform and make them whole again. Only You know the tragedies and lies that have bent their minds. Set them free now with Love and Truth to step out of the killing and destruction the enemy has led them to, and into the abundant life You offer. John 10:10. Bring Christians, Bibles, or whatever other means You desire to show them the way to salvation. Meet them in their dreams. Talk to them throughout the day. Break the power of the demons that have broken them, and set them free to know You and be healed.
Even now, Father, there are young people throughout this nation and the world Satan is training up to do his evil bidding. Rescue them, please, Lord, from his clutch. Stay the hand of those who do violence against them. Still the tongues of those who berate them. Bring Christians into their path to show them Your love so clearly they will step out of darkness into Your light. Be their Advocate and Protector in such powerful, visible ways they will long for Your love and turn to You. Then, through their transformed lives, Lord, bring whole families and communities to You. Yes, Lord, awaken our young people — awaken abusers, the abused, and every person — to Your love and grace.
For those who were injured, and those who are grieving the loss of loved ones, heal them, Lord. Wrap Your arms around them and let them feel You close. Speak to them and comfort them. When they cry out to You, hear them and answer. Bring loving Christians to them to carry them in Your arms through these hard times. Save those who are lost, and build the faith of those who already know You. Make us all into powerful witnesses of Your love and grace.
Don’t let the enemy win, Lord. Turn around everything Satan means for evil and bring forth such glorious good he loses more ground than he thought he would gain, as people give their hearts to You, O Living God, and Christians’ passion and boldness for the Gospel increases all the more. Romans 8:28-29. In Jesus’ name. Amen.
For a free guide to knowing God’s voice, Dare to be a Man of God, the accompanying Dare to be a Man of God Prayer Journal, and more books for all ages on overcoming the enemy and walking in Christ’s power, visit MoreThanAConquerorBooks.com.
PRAYER WALL 