People Over Problems

When we look at a problem, for the most part, that is all that we see: the problem. When horrible events happen like the bombing at the Boston Marathon yesterday, we see the horror and devastation, and then the talk goes right to naming the cause and preventing any more of it. We don't gloss over the damage, but we do get past it as quickly as possible.

The bombing was horrific, as were the images on TV that were re-broadcast over and over again. We can see things so quickly today, and with so much digital coverage, we have become a little desensitized as to the reality of it. The attack was more than a possible political statement, more than a possible act of terrorism. The bombing has forever physically changed the course of some people's lives, and they will never be the same again. People died, were critically wounded, and for those close to the incident, some were traumatized. This event hurt people, and did more than just create or draw attention to some problem.

As a nation we prayed again. Prayed for the people injured and affected by the bombing. We, as people, prayed for our fellow citizens whose rights were violated, and  who were senselessly injured or killed. As people ran from the blast sight yesterday to get away, so too will we run from the event in our memory, and away from our prayers as well. I am not suggesting that we shouldn't move past this event, we absolutely should, What I am suggesting is that we consider what we are praying for going forward.

Let's not spend undue amounts of time accusing, blaming, or even naming this event. or the person or persons responsible for it. Let's spend time praying, and praying for the people who were directly affected; for their healing, peace and hope for the days ahead. Pray that they learn to know, or lean on who they know, in Jesus Christ.

Let's not pray against anything or for any answers other than the hope offered in Christ. After all the goal of prayer is to hear God, not to have God hear us.

...just prayin'

In His grip,

Pastor Pat