By now you most likely have heard about the shooting today at the Fort Lauderdale Airport. Just last night, I was there, picking up my husband. The baggage claim area is usually a place of happy tourists and reunited families. My heart breaks this day for all those affected. We ask that you join us in prayer, wherever you are. If you are not sure what to pray, I’m attaching my prayer for this very, very, very sad day.

Take care.
With love,

Hedy

Gracious and all-loving God, we pray for all those touched by the violence of today, that they may know of love in the midst of the pain and chaos around them. Surround them with your grace. We pray for the families and friends of those who were killed or injured. We pray for all those waiting to hear news of their loved ones. We pray for the first responders who were so quickly on the scene, seeking to protect and to safeguard and to comfort. We pray for the terrified bystanders, who were not hit, but were nonetheless affected deeply by the violence. We pray for the hospital staff providing care, even at this very moment. We pray for our community, as we watch and wait and grieve. We pray for all affected — everywhere — by this terrible act of violence.

Lord, help those of us living in this in-pain, messed-up world. Give us your courage when we are afraid. Give us your wisdom when we are unsure. Give us your strength when we feel weak. Help us, God. We need you, now more than ever. Please.

We pray also for people — all around our world — who are entertaining thoughts of bloodshed. May their spirits be touched by grace so overwhelming, that whatever is broken in them would begin to mend. May people come into their lives who flood their hearts with love so strong, that the fires of violence would be quenched and not stoked.

And may we so clearly know what part we can take, that we may bring healing and hope to our communities and world. Always-loving God, help us to be carriers of your peace into the hurt. Give us your wisdom, strength, and courage as we desperately seek a way forward. We believe you desire to guide us… so we ask that you do so! Please! Amen!