Nine innocent men and women were killed as they gathered together at their church in Charleston, SC.
We lost Cynthia Hurd, Susie Jackson, Ethel Lance, Rev. DePayne Middleton-Doctor, Hon. Rev. Clementa Pinckney, Tywanza Sanders, Rev. Daniel Simmons Sr., Rev. Sharonda Singleton, and Myra Thompson.
From all indications so far in the investigation, it appears they were killed because of the color of their skin.
In the year 2015, in the world’s wealthiest nation, injustice, racism, and random shootings in schools, malls, neighborhoods, and churches are far too common.
For just a moment, pause to pray for those affected by this senseless tragedy. Pray for our nation. Pray for healing, reconciliation, unity, and even spiritual awakening.
Heavenly Father, be with those who have suffered loss in Charleston, SC. Be with those who have suffered through injustice, violence, or evil in our broken world.
We need you to intervene in our nation. We are sick. We are broken. We are overwhelmed with the injustice and hate all around us, and we want to be used by you to bring peace in our world. Show us how to bring peace in all of our relationships. Show us how to reach out to love and serve those who may look differently than we do or believe something other than what we do or make choices differently than we would. For those of us who follow you, Jesus, help us to be the peacemakers you have called us to become. We have been given so much! So may we serve our city and those around us out of gratitude for all you have done for us! You have reconciled us to Yourself, now may we be reconcilers with the world around us! You have brought peace between us and Yourself, now may be peacemakers to the world around us!
