Do we Seek the Lord in times of hurt and trouble? It seems we lean on God, on each other, even more in times where there is evil and hurt in the world. Usually when we're happy, it is easier to say "thank You" because of the joy we feel and the gratitude. However, when life is troubling, when we're aching, it's a lot harder to say "Thank You Lord for helping me live another day, for giving me the strength to make it through, and for helping me overcome the worst". Most of us turn the other way and place blame instead of seeking healing. We turn away from friends and family because of the ache, when it's more important than ever to be close and lean on one another. This is what we're called to do as people of faith, to not only help others in difficult times, but to stay strong and faithful in God when we too are hurting.
Today's First Reading states:"Thus says the LORD of hosts: Peoples shall yet come, even the inhabitants of many cities; the inhabitants of one city shall go to another, saying, `Let us go at once to entreat the favor of the LORD, and to seek the LORD of hosts; I am going.' Many peoples and strong nations shall come to seek the LORD of hosts in Jerusalem, and to entreat the favor of the LORD. Thus says the LORD of hosts: In those days ten men from the nations of every tongue shall take hold of the robe of a Jew, saying, `Let us go with you, for we have heard that God is with you"'(Zechariah 8:20-23).
This week, there was a mass shooting in Las Vegas. It is so sad, so horrifying that there could be such evil in the world, so much pain. In times such as these, it's important for us not only to be aware of the hurt, but to Pray for healing, to be strong for those who need us. God is with you even in the darkest moments, we just need to seek and to trust that healing will come. Take some time to pray for peace for those who are hurting, those who are grieving, and those who have died in the shooting in Las Vegas. Ask God to help you be a prayer warrior during this difficult time and to bring love.
Today's prayer comes from 'Daughters of the King' a prayer for victims of gun violence:
Lord, we are stunned by the violence of hatred and our spirits are heavy with grief. It is beyond our understanding. We pray for those who have lost loved ones, may they feel Your peace. For those who have been injured in body and in mind, comfort them; and for those souls now with you, grant them rest.
We remember, Lord, the slenderness of the thread which separates life from death, and the suddenness with which it can by broken. Embrace all of us with you love; give us hope in our confusion and bring peace to all. In the face of hate and violence, we will love one another.
AMEN
