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Prayer for the people of Aurora
The news of the recent mass shooting in Aurora, Colorado, has moved the United States to an outpouring of compassion, loving support, and prayer for the families and friends whose lives this tragedy has touched. Several recent news clips have shown church congregations of different faiths meeting in prayer for the people of Aurora, trying to sort things out and find some peace of mind from their heavenly Father.
To me this indicates a natural gravitation to, and acknowledgment of, a connection to God, as well as a trust that going to God for solace and answers will bring results. The Bible assures us: “The effectual fervent prayer of a righteous man availeth much” (James 5:16 ).
Like perfume pervading the air in an elevator, everyone is touched by prayer.
Mary Baker Eddy, the discoverer of Christian Science, put great emphasis and trust in the effectuality of prayer in our churches and on how it lifts our hearts and lives. She wrote this: “The silent prayers of our churches, resounding through the dim corridors of time, go forth in waves of sound, a diapason of heart-beats, vibrating from one pulpit to another and from one heart to another, till truth and love, commingling in one righteous prayer, shall encircle and cement the human race” (The First Church of Christ, Scientist, and Miscellany, p. 189 ).
What a reassuring thought to hold to—that we can individually and collectively turn to God to help those in distress. No matter how many miles away we are from Aurora, our prayers do have an effect. Maybe we cannot measure this physically, or get specific feedback reported from it; but like perfume pervading the air in an elevator, everyone is touched by prayer and can take in the sweet effect of the love that God is pouring out, comforting, reassuring, guiding, and giving peace to struggling hearts.
The ministry of Jesus often shows how much compassion he felt for those who were struggling with some sort of difficulty. In fact, in one place, the Bible records that Jesus wept (see John 11:35 ). I’m sure Jesus knew how incredibly loved each person was by divine Love, their heavenly Parent, God, and I wonder if he was moved to tears because the people did not always feel assurance of that wonderful fact. Throughout his ministry, Jesus turned immediately to acknowledge God, and helped people feel that sweet assurance of divine Love’s care. Healing and peace of mind happened.
We can be assured that reaching out to God in prayer for ourselves, for others, for the dear people of Aurora, and for the world, is surely effective and felt.
About the author
Donna Fay is a Christian Science practitioner in Ypsilanti, Michigan.