In the Face of Terrorism
from Lent and Beyond

Jeremiah 6:24-26 (New International Version)

24 We have heard reports about them,
and our hands hang limp.
Anguish has gripped us,
pain like that of a woman in labor.
25 Do not go out to the fields or walk on the roads,
for the enemy has a sword,
and there is terror on every side.
26 O my people, put on sackclothand roll in ashes;
mourn with bitter wailing as for an only son,
for suddenly the destroyer will come upon us.

Holy God, Holy and Mighty, Holy Immortal One, have mercy on us.

Prince of Peace, we live in a world filled with terror. So many of your people labor for peace, but Satan’s deceptions and our sin-weakened flesh work horrific deeds on the earth.

Lord Jesus, you humbled yourself and were vulnerable to the world’s terrors. As your body was broken on the cross, let our hearts be broken by the acts of terror that shatter our neighbors’ lives. Give us grace to wail to our Father in Heaven and to weep with those who weep all around us.

Christ our King, be merciful with us. We do not know how to end the terror. We ask you to pour the Holy Spirit’s comforts on those who suffer. We ask you to bless the protective efforts of legitimate authorities. We ask you to prosper the ministry of peacemakers. We ask you to soften the hearts of those tempted to terror. We ask you to fix our hopes and values on your perfect kingdom. We ask for strength to persevere as people of faith in a sinful world.

In all these needs, strengthen us with the assurance of your victory won on the cross: And having disarmed the powers and authorities, he made a public spectacle of them, triumphing over them by the cross. (Colossians 2:15, NIVUK)

We pray in your holy Name, Lord Jesus, for with the Father and the Holy Spirit you live and reign, one God, in glory everlasting. Amen.
John 16:33 Hebrews 2:8-10

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