Prayer in the Aftermath of Newtown Shootings

The news of this latest school shooting in Newtown, Connecticut has once again shocked our nation. The relative sanctuary of an elementary school was shattered by a lone gunman with semi-automatic weapons, shooting indiscriminately, taking the lives of children and adults, most of whom he probably never knew. The senseless and violent nature of such an act can erode our sense of security and well-being, leaving us with questions of life and faith that can be very difficult to answer.

Tomorrow morning, my sermon title is "News Worth Repeating," based on Philippians 4:4-7. The text begins, "rejoice in the Lord always, and again, I say rejoice." This title and text were chosen before the events of yesterday, but speak quite clearly to us in great joy and devastating sorrow. Our focus will be on the way we live and respond as people of hope in the aftermath of life's unknowns. A word to parents of young children...our preschoolers will be in extended session during the sermon time, but since we do not have children's church in December, elementary children will be in the sanctuary for the sermon. I will not speak to the specifics of the elementary school setting nor speak in any specific detail about yesterday's events that might be difficult for children to hear or process. I will, however, speak to the comforting presence of God in the midst of joy and sorrow, the hope we have as we trust in God, and the calling of Christ to love others in His name, regardless. As with any message, my desire is to convey help and hope for our continuing journey of faith in the midst of ever changing circumstances, and to remind us that God is present, whatever we face.

Spend time in prayer today for the families who have lost loved ones in this tragedy. Pray also for teachers and counselors who will work with the children when they return to their classrooms, first responders who must now process what they have witnessed in responding to this tragedy, ministers and other religious leaders who will walk with grieving families and their community for some time to come, elected officials and school administrators who will grapple with the response to this horrific event, and moms and dads who will sit down with their children to talk about something they would prefer not to discuss.

The Psalmist reminds us in the thirty-seventh Psalm, "The Lord is near to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit." May that presence encourage and strengthen next steps for these very difficult days.

Jim Abernathy