Prayers for today's tragedy in Connecticut

In our church, we have so many children, so many parents, so many teachers, school leaders, police officers, nurses, doctors, and other helpers. 

But no matter our role in the community, all of us are touched and all of us are shaken by the tragedy of the shooting at the Sandy Hook Elementary School in Danbury, CT. Let us come together as a church and as families to hold each other close, whether near or far, in body and in spirit.

We rely so much on scripture's words, when our own fail:

Jeremiah 31:15

New International Version (NIV)

¹⁵ This is what the Lord says:

"A voice is heard in Ramah,
    mourning and great weeping,
Rachel weeping for her children
    and refusing to be comforted,
    because they are no more."

May God wipe away the tears of those who mourn today. May our prayers help heal their spirits. May God protect our hearts and minds as we struggle to understand that which has no understanding.

Dr. Brenae Brown, whose work I greatly admire and have quoted in sermons, has published a list of recommended resources for talking to children. Her blog address is:

http://www.ordinarycourage.com/my-blog/2012/12/14/prayers-for-the-sandy-hook-elementary-school-community.html

She closes her article by quoting this statement from Mr. Rogers:

"When I was a boy and I would see scary things in the news, my mother would say to me, "Look for the helpers. You will always find people who are helping." To this day, especially in times of "disaster," I remember my mother's words and I am always comforted by realizing that there are still so many helpers – so many caring people in this world." 

No matter how experienced the helpers, their lives will be changed today. Thank them. Pray for them. 

http://www.ordinarycourage.com/my-blog/2012/12/14/prayers-for-the-sandy-hook-elementary-school-community.html