How to Pray About the Fort Hood Shooting
News about the Fort Hood shooting continued to roll in over the next few days. The suspect was not only on our soil, but an American citizen? In our army? An officer in our army? He may have planned the shooting?!
I didn't even personally know anyone who was affected by the Fort Hood shooting. Yet the information unfolding in the media sprung a well of rage inside me.
I didn't pray about the situation right away. But I knew I needed to. If you also believe you need to pray about the Fort Hood shooting, perhaps you will find the following suggestions helpful.
Survivors of the Fort Hood Shooting
Many who could have been harmed at Fort Hood ended up escaping. Wounded people survived. Let us thank God for the survivors.
We should also pray for continued healing (not just physical, but also emotional, mental, and spiritual).
Nidal Malik Hasan
The last one the public wants to pray for in this type of situation is the perpetrator. But let's not neglect praying for Hasan. From all accounts, he was dealing with a great deal of internal conflict over the war, though he didn't deal with that conflict properly. Many of our faithful soldiers are dealing with their own conflicts that stem from the war. Every war is an ugly thing.
Families of the Victims of the Fort Hood Shooting
The Fort Hood shooting has torn quite a number of lives apart. Let us intercede for those who are hurting right now. We should pray for the families of the victims, as well as their friends, fellow service members, neighbors. Every place those people used to go, their absence will be felt.
The Community Surrounding Fort Hood
Fort Hood forms an integral part of its surrounding community. As a result, the tragedy will probably exert shock ripples in the community for some time.
Fort Hood Operations
We need to pray for the continued operations of the Fort Hood army base. The shooting has probably caused some kinks, and we need to pray for the leadership on the base to keep things running smoothly. Service members will need strength to keep on with their work and wisdom to deal with the emotional repercussions of the shooting.
Deployed Service Members
Deployed members of the military have enough challenges to face. An event like this, on American soil, could cause a morale drop. Let us pray that our troops can maintain focus on what's in front of them.
Investigations into the Fort Hood Shooting
We can pray for the investigations currently in progress. Surely we all hope that leadership will not allow this tragedy to go to waste. Let them do something with it to improve security, to identify and address problems in the military, and to try to prevent similar events from happening again.
Peace
Let us pray for the coming of peace and justice. In Isaiah 32:16-18, God promises peace will come someday:
Justice will dwell in the desert
and righteousness live in the fertile field.
The fruit of righteousness will be peace;
the effect of righteousness will be quietness and confidence forever.
My people will live in peaceful dwelling places,
in secure homes,
in undisturbed places of rest.
Scripture taken from the HOLY BIBLE, NEW INTERNATIONAL VERSION. Copyright 1973, 1978, 1984 by International Bible Society. Used by permission of Zondervan. All rights reserved.
Published by Rachelle Dawson
As a freelance writer and editor, I've published articles, business copy, reviews. I've edited instructional articles and novels. In my spare time, my husband and I camp, pray together, and haggle over the s... View profile
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9 Comments
Post a CommentGood words that are relevant for other such tragedies as well.
Thanks Rachelle for encouraging people to pray about this. I lived on the north side of Ft. Hood for about 10 years. When my kids were little I took them onto the secluded areas of the base. They rode bicycles and waded in the creeks and threw rocks, etc. When I worked for FCA, Killeen was my largest single school district. I drove the 25 mile trip through the base weekly. They need our prayers. Thanks!
Yes, the promise of peace will come.
Wow... this line really jumped out at me: "Every place those people used to go, their absence will be felt."
When I stop and think about those places and people (supermarkets, bowling alleys, gas stations, Starbucks...) there are so many. May God work and move and bring His inexhaustable peace to the many in this hurting area.
Excellent article and verse for the occasion.
My prayers go out to the friends and families of those soldiers. It is so sad when people do such horrible things. My son is stationed at Fort Hood, TX but he is currently in Iraq. When I first heard of the incident, I was so afraid that he had come back to the States without my knowledge. Gladly, he is safe and sound. Can't wait to see him again. He's my first born. Happy Holidays to everyone!!!
My prayers go out.. :o)
Rachelle, I love this. I had not even thought to pray for these victims in the way you have brought it out. Thanks so much. Nice ideas & blessings on you for this. : - )
Good one!