Tragedy and the Hope We Have

Many of us are still reflecting—and processing—about the tragic and senseless violence we witnessed on Friday morning. Now that the names of the victims, both living and deceased have been released, it’s so much more real. Twelve lives lost. Twelve families who will never be the same. And 59 survivors facing a long road of recovery, physically, emotionally, and spiritually.

On Friday, I shared an email I received from a pastor in the Denver area. I found Pastor Rob’s words of encouragement and call for prayer to be especially comforting. He gave us permission to share this with you. As the news reports slow to a simmer, let’s continue to keep everyone impacted by this situation in prayer.

“Please take some time today to pray for the families of those twelve who were killed and for the dozens more who were wounded. Let me offer some coaching on how we might pray together in response:

Pray for a revelation of God’s redeeming love to the families of the 12 deceased. Pray that the God of all comfort, mercy, and compassion would himself strengthen them, encourage them, and give them hope.
Pray for God’s healing power in the bodies and hearts of the 50 people who were wounded, many critically. Ask God to demonstrate his sovereign power and tender mercy by intervening and touching these people right where they are today. Ask in faith for miracles of healing to the glory of God.
Pray that God would draw people to Jesus in the wake of tragedy through the outpouring of his power and compassion. Ask that, in the midst of this great darkness, Jesus’ light would shine brightly.
Pray with the authority Jesus has given you to bind the spirits that blind people’s minds from the truth. Insofar as we know our enemy is not flesh and blood, take authority over the Denver area in Jesus’ name, canceling Satan’s lies, deception, and destruction in people’s lives. Resist the enemy in the name of Jesus and know that he must flee.

This Sunday we will take some time to pray for our city and those affected by the Aurora tragedy in particular. I know you are all busy, but I hope you’ll prioritize coming together on Sunday to seek God and consider what it means to be his people in the face of a world that desperately needs Him. Remember, friends, that our hope is in Jesus; he is a sure and steadfast anchor for your soul. It is only the presence of God–the glorious, transforming presence of God which Jesus makes available to us–that can heal our city.”

Rob Brendle, Senior Pastor Denver United Church

www.denverunited.com