How to Pray In The Current Crisis

In times of crisis, people look to Christian leaders for comfort and guidance. They want us to lead them in prayer.
But how should we pray about the terrorist attacks on September 11?
My pastor wrote the following set of prayers, which people seemed to greatly appreciate. I offer them to you for you and your church’s times of prayer.
—Kevin Miller
Editor, Leadership Weekly

Lord God, comfort all those who mourn for their loved ones. We pray for those who have lost fathers and mothers, husbands and wives, family and friends. May your people surround them with your love.

Lord God, comfort all children who have their imaginations filled with terror. Give them pictures of hope from their parents, friends, school, and church family.

Lord God, bring stability to our country. We pray for the President of the United States and all those in government. Grant them wisdom, sobriety of mind and heart, compassion and determination. We pray for your justice and mercy.

Lord God, you have taught us to pray for our enemies. We pray that they would come to know you. We pray that we would not respond to evil by spiraling downward into evil, but that your holy good would overcome evil, and that vengeance would be yours.

Lord God, you have promised that if a people would humble themselves and turn from their wicked ways and call out to you that you would hear their prayers and heal their land (2 Chronicles 7:14). We are such a people in need of prayer. Create in us the desire to humble ourselves and bow down to you. Bring to light any wickedness and grant us the will to turn from it. Lord, in your mercy, heal our land.

Lord God, we pray that your cross would be lifted up on high and that the knowledge of you would fill our land. In the midst of death and despair may we know the power of your resurrection.

William Beasley is senior pastor of Church of the Redeemer in Glenview, IL.

Craig Brian Larson is editor of PreachingToday.com and Preaching Today audio, as well as pastor of Lake Shore Church in Chicago. He is co-author of Preaching That Connects (Zondervan, 1994).

To reply to the editors of this newsletter, write Newsletter@LeadershipJournal.net.