Our hearts are heavy as we consider the deep pain facing countless people around the world right now.
There have been brutal attacks in Bangladesh and Iraq in the past week, and it hurts to see such vulnerable countries shaken once again by violence.
There have been police-involved shootings here in the U.S., and it hurts to hear the cries and pain of the black community.
And then last night, there was a brutal attack on police officers—the deadliest incident for U.S. law enforcement since September 11, 2001—here in Dallas, Texas, and it hurts to experience the grief and fear of our city.
Creation groans. Our spirits groan.
In the midst of it all, these words are churning in our hearts:
Yet this I call to mind and therefore I have hope: Because of the Lord’s great love we are not consumed, for his compassions never fail. They are new every morning; great is your faithfulness. (Lamentations 3:21-23; NIV)
We are asking you to pray with us today. We don’t know how to solve the problems or heal the aches, but the Holy Spirit does. We need His wisdom, revelation, and compassion to overwhelm all of our hearts.
- Pray that the flood of violence would stop. The enemy wants to bring chaos and destruction, so cry out for a standard to be raised against him. (Isaiah 59:19)
- Pray for every hidden plot to be exposed or stopped in its tracks. (Matthew 10:26)
- Pray for peace in our communities, that trust would be restored between the public and law enforcement. (James 3:18)
- Pray for supernatural protection for all law enforcement. We also bless them with increased wisdom and discernment as they carry out their duties. (Proverbs 3:26; 2:11)
- Pray for the injustices experienced by the minorities in our nation, especially the black community, to be exposed and dealt with. We ask for a release of healing, reconciliation, and renewal. (Psalm 103:6; 2 Cor. 5:18, 19)
- Bind a spirit of division, and loose a spirit of unity. Across all lines—racial, denominational, regional, etc.—pray for people to come together in grace and compassion, setting aside selfishness and seeking to understand each other. (Phil. 2:2; Col. 3:12-14)
- Pray for the voices of those speaking wisdom, truth, and sound solutions to be amplified; pray for the voices speaking foolishness, hatred, and division to be silenced. (Prov. 4:7; 1 Peter 2:15)
- Pray for all of those who are grieving over the loss of loved ones to be comforted. (Psalm 23:4)
We know that prayer is powerful, and we are grateful that we can stand together in intercession. We also encourage you to engage in practical actions that will bring healing and reconciliation. Whether it’s as simple as intentionally carrying out random acts of kindness for people, or more in depth, like increasing involvement in your community at any level, allow the Holy Spirit to strategically lead you and place you where you can be His hands and feet to the hurting people around you.
| Adela Just | |
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Adela Just is a writer and managing editor for Generals International. She resides in Texas with her husband and two energetic, imaginative children. |
