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Prayers for Sandy Hook
The hearts of good men and women everywhere were broken last week with the news of the massacre at Sandy Hook Elementary School.
Because the human heart yearns to understand the “why” behind such tragedy, commentators launched into discussions of depression and mental illness as well as speculation about other factors that may have influenced the attacker. Connecticut Governor Daniel Malloy said, “Evil visited this community today.”
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With news of this senseless tragedy, like me, millions did as the Psalmist said, “In my distress I cried unto the Lord” (Psalms 120:1). And commitments to pray for the children and families, as well as the courageous school staff, police, and caregivers, were heard throughout the world.
While words are inadequate to explain, justify, or give solace, prayer is an active force for good at any time. Prayer is humanity’s connection to the truth Christ Jesus utilized and spoke of when he said, “Ye shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free” (John 8:32). Divine Truth is God Himself, and prayer acts as a ladder we can use to escape from the dark pit of confusion, fear, and grief to the light of truth, where God can heal all wounded hearts.
We can turn for help and healing to the supremacy of divine Love.
The peace of God does not come from our circumstances but from drawing close to Him as divine Truth, Life, and Love. The Bible tells how Jacob was left alone in his communion with God, wrestling with an angel until daybreak. He would not let go of this divine influence until he was blessed by it, and then his peace returned (see Genesis, chapter 32).
The Holy Spirit, or divine Comforter, can give us God’s peace in the midst of tragic suffering. We can turn for help and healing to the supremacy of divine Love. This sustaining infinitude of Love reveals the universe, including God’s sons and daughters, to be forever governed by the divine energy of Spirit. This will enable us to feel the influence of divine Love bringing us into newness of life.
Such is how the Apostle Paul advised the Philippians: “Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God; and the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus” (Philippians 4:6, 7, New King James Version).
So my prayer today for the people of Connecticut and to heal broken hearts everywhere is in the words of Mary Baker Eddy, the discoverer of Christian Science: “Divine presence, breathe Thou Thy blessing on every heart … . May the kingdom of God within you,—with you alway,—reascending, bear you outward, upward, heavenward” (Pulpit and Press, pp. 10–11).
About the author
Judy Cole is a Christian Science practitioner. She lives in Rochester Hills, Michigan.