Good evening. Like you, I am so at a loss for words and heartbroken about the tragedy in Newton, CT at Sandy Hook Elementary.
I have had a desire to start a “Moms in Prayer” group at Brookshire and unfortunately have just not taken the initiative to do just that. I get emails for the group and the suggestion of a group prayer time on Monday morning for our school and schools nationwide, especially the community of Sandy Hook Elementary was received this weekend.
This is an invite to take some time in devotion and prayer. From the comfort of your home before children awake and the Monday morning rush takes place- I am aiming for somewhere between 5:30-7:00AM- sit quietly, read below and we will pray in One Accord.
Praise—Praising God for who He is, His attributes, His name or His character.
Attribute: God Our Stronghold
Definition: fortified place, fortress, refuge
Scripture(s): 2 Samuel 22:1-3; Psalm 18:2; Proverbs 18:10
Thoughts: God is the One we run to in times of trouble…and always!
Confession—Silently confessing your sins to the God who forgives.
If we confess our sins, He is faithful and righteous to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness. 1 John 1:9 (NASB)
Thanksgiving—Thanking God for what He has done.
I urge, then, first of all, that petitions, prayers, intercession and thanksgiving be made for all people. 1 Timothy 2:1
Thank you, Jesus, that you are our Rock eternal. Our Savior and Refuge.
Thank you Jesus, that you ARE victorious. That you have given us a free will and it is our choice to accept or reject you.
Thank you for the first responders who bravely entered the school and dealt with the initial trauma.
Thank you for the teachers who bravely protected the children in their classroom.
Thank you for every life spared.
Intercession—Coming to God in prayer on behalf of others.
Scripture: Philippians 4:6-7 May _____not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present his/her requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard ______’s heart and mind in Christ Jesus.”
Pray…
For the families of those who lost their lives: That they would turn their lives to you, Father. That in their sorrow you would grant them strength and grace to make it through the coming days and months. That they would return to you, Lord, with all their heart, with fasting and weeping and mourning. That mercy and comfort would be extended to their tender hearts. That this Christmas our families that are grieving would recognize the glorious peace and comfort that comes through faith in you.
For the siblings of those who lost their lives: That Our Father would protect them from the enemy of their soul. That they would find comfort in their family and in the knowledge of your great mercy. That Jesus would be present in their sleep and the darkness of their heart would be warmed by His light. That our Abba Father would comfort them during difficult days ahead.
The family of Adam Lanza: That they would not be judged as they mourn the loss of their mother, brother and victims in this tragedy. That the Lord would give the Sandy Hook School families and community strength to forgive. That the Lord would draw the Lanza family into a saving relationship through the blood of Jesus Christ.
The students, faculty and administration of the Sandy Hook Elementary School: For the Lord to bestow mercy to the children's healing hearts as they mourn the loss of their classmates, administrators, teachers and their perceived safety. That Our Lord would restore the school classrooms with spiritual and emotional healing. That children and families would cling to Jesus as their Rock, Fortress and Deliverer. For Christ to be present in the rebuilding of lives and programs in the wake of this tremendous tragedy.
All of our schools and communities across the USA: That we Christian Americans would humble ourselves, pray, seek Our Lord's face and turn from our sinful ways. That the Lord would hear from heaven and forgive our sin and heal our land. That this tragedy would glorify God through a fierce Holy Spirit led cross-country revival. For repentant hearts that would cling to Jesus. We pray that the Lord would raise up women to join the mighty army of prayer warrior moms and grandmoms that stand in the gap for our children and schools.
Revival in our schools: That every student would have the opportunity to hear of the grace and mercy afforded to us by Our Lord Jesus Christ. That Christian students would be beacons of Christ's light to those who are living in darkness. For the Holy Spirit to move among the hallways of each school in the United States. For students to respond to God's great love and everlasting peace.
"Now to him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to his power that is at work within us, to him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, forever and ever. Amen". Ephesians 3: 20-21
