Last Saturday eleven more American citizens lost their lives to domestic terrorism. Six more were wounded. The chief federal prosecutor called the tragedy a “terrible and unspeakable act of hate.”
And we hate the evil forces that entice men (and sometimes women) to such unconscionable violence. Our hearts ache every time we hear of a new murderous attack, with more lives changed forever by horror, more pain and suffering, more lives lost.
How do we pray in the face of terrorism? Perhaps one of the most meaningful ways is to pray back to God the absolute truths of his Word. For example:
Dear Lord God,
We pray for your compassion, peace, presence, and power to pervade those suffering in the aftermath of such attacks as the one on Saturday. We pray for your protection over our towns and cities, schools and churches, community servants and law enforcement officers, friends and family. “Bring to an end the violence of the wicked and make the righteous secure” (Psalm 7:9).
The question plagues us: Why, God? Why do men think they have the right to injure and destroy innocent lives? We are outraged by their cunning as they conspire to wreak destruction against those you cherish (Psalm 83:3). How dare they plot against their fellow human beings (Psalm 37:12)?
The evil imaginations of their minds know no limits (Psalm 73:7). And we cannot fathom such callousness that breeds unthinkable tragedy.
With David we want to pray:
“Repay them for their deeds and for their evil work; repay them for what their hands have done and bring back upon them what they deserve” (Psalm 28:4).
“Break the arm of the wicked and evil man; call him to account for his wickedness” (Psalm 10:15).
But your Son taught a different way—a way that disarms hatred from growing in our own spirits:
“You have heard that it was said, Love your neighbor and hate your enemy. But I tell you: Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you” (Matthew 5:43-44).
Thank you for reminding us that enemies often carry pain of their own.
And so, as best we know how, Heavenly Father, we pray your Word over those misguided individuals who inflict terror. Remove their hearts of stone set on evil ways, and give them tender, responsive hearts, anxious to follow your ways (Ezekiel 11:19-20).
We pray they would constantly be exposed to truth through what they see and hear—even in their dreams (Job 33:14-18).
We pray for enlightenment, that the lies of the deceiver would be exposed (John 8:44).
And we pray unmistakable God-incidents would draw them to you, and they would recognize the One behind the miracles–like Naaman of Old Testament times. When he was instantaneously healed of terminal leprosy, he said: “I now know beyond a shadow of a doubt that there is no God anywhere on earth other than the God of Israel” (2 Kings 5:15 MSG). May those who have perpetrated terror or are even now planning an attack, come to the same conclusion by the influence of your Spirit.
“Let them know that you, whose name is the Lord—that you alone are the Most High over all the earth” (Psalm 83:11), that your soul hates the wicked and the one who loves violence (Psalm 11:5 ESV).
Last, we pray you thwart the efforts of those who plan vile destruction. Again, “Bring to an end the violence of the wicked and make the righteous secure” (Psalm 7:9).
We do praise you, O God, that in spite of the apparent madness, you are in control (I Chronicles 29:11-12). Such comforting truth! In addition, no purpose of yours can be thwarted (Job 42:2). Such reassuring affirmation! And you will use for good what misguided men intend for evil (Genesis 50:20-21). Such splendorous hope!
In the powerful name of Jesus, we pray all of these things for your honor and glory, Amen!
(Art & photo credits: http://www.wikimedia.com (2); http://www.pxhere.com; http://www.canva.com; http://www.wikimedia.com; http://www.canva.com (2); http://www.heartlight.org.)
From the Inside Out 
Beautiful, powerful. Thank you, Nancy.
Thank you, Diana. So glad this prayer ministered to you!
A wonderful blog, Nancy. The acts of terror is disturbing, and we do not know what is in their hearts. Their mind is driven to places we don’t understand. May God be with the victims and their families.
Amen, Laura, AMEN!
What a great post Nancy… especially the reminder of Jesus ‘s words and way… to love our enemies. I liked the quote by Longfellow… if we only knew what some have endured, we could better understand their behavior… we have to keep reminding myself God is in control even in the midst of chaos..He is at work and He is good !
Given your uncertain circumstances right now, your words carry great weight! Such statements of faith, as you included at the end of your comments, do help steady our emotional and spiritual equilibrium. Thank you, Lisa!
Those are great scriptures for us in times that are so difficult to comprehend. We all carry our own burdens, but some unfortunately deal in a way that delivers pain to others. It’s not easy to love our enemies as instructed when we see lives taken, so we need that reminder. Great post!
Thank you, Tresa. I have to acknowledge it’s one thing to forgive and pray over “distant enemies” compared to those that get up close and personal. Our family has not been directly impacted by terrorism–yet. Should that day come, may I still be able to pray this prayer–with God’s help!
Just said this prayer with you. Very moving and much needed after such a tragedy.
Thank you, Heather!
Thanks, Nancy, for the reminder that the answer to every question is GOD! He only asks that as we thank Him for dying for us we also trust Him with our present and future circumstances, whatever they may be. He is totally in control; may we never doubt that. He loves the sinner who inflicts pain even as He hates the sin. I’m thankful for this post as it reinforces that even as we pray for those grieving that we also pray for those who have been driven to commit heinous acts beyond our ability to understand.
Amen, Cheri: “The answer to every question is GOD!” Makes me think of a favorite passage of scripture to turn to when events occur I cannot understand, Romans 11:33-36. There is great comfort in knowing, even in tragedy, all things are from him, through him, and to him! (You have permission to remind me of that should the occasion arise!)
Thank you for this important meditative reminder, Nancy. Particularly love the Longfellow quote, btw.
Dear Nancy,
May the Lord give us the courage to not feel like victims and the compassion help the real victims in each situation.
Amen!
Gary
Amen, Gary, amen.
Amen! Thank you SO much for your prayers. This is so similar to what I pray nightly. The last thing I pray for is the other prayer warriors who have been called to pray about these things, that together we can be the army that comes against the evil one, maybe even liberating the terrorists themselves from the deception that holds them captive. And as I mentioned in my blog, I have numerous articles about foiled terror attacks and former terrorists who are now Christ-followers, even evangelists!
That encourages me greatly, Seeking! Thank you for stopping by and sharing your knowledge.