Feeling Unsafe Because of Gun Violence Prayer
The continual news of gun violence, random mass shootings and active shooter situations can cause us to feel unsafe and fearful when in public. This “Feeling Unsafe Because of Gun Violence Prayer” helps us to hold onto the Biblical truth that God is always with us wherever we go.
Feeling Unsafe Because of Gun Violence Prayer
Dear Heavenly Father,
I’m struggling with feeling unsafe because of gun violence in America. I don’t understand why someone would target people in places where I used to feel safe such as stores, places of worship, and schools.
I’m finding it difficult to relax as I go about my everyday life because of what I’m seeing and hearing in the news. Instead of enjoying the places I frequent and the people I meet, I’m thinking about where I might hide or how I would escape should there be an active-shooter situation.
I know that You don’t want me to live my life in fear because the Bible says in Isaiah 41:13, “For I, the Lord your God, hold your right hand; it is I who say to you, ‘Fear not, I am the One who helps you.’” This comforts me because I know that should I find myself in a frightening situation, You promise to be with me.
I also know that Luke 14:27, reads, “Peace I leave with you; My peace I give to you. Not as the world gives do I give to you. Let not your hearts be troubled, neither let them be afraid.”
Another scripture from the Bible that brings me comfort is from Psalm 91:4-5 which states, “He will cover you with His pinions, and under His wings you will find refuge; His faithfulness is a shield and buckler. You will not fear the terror of the night, nor the arrow that flies by day.”
You are my loving Father, so I know that You care about what happens to me; however, I can’t help but think of the victims in the news. I wonder why they weren’t protected and why their lives were not spared in these senseless acts of hate. I search your Word for answers because it makes no sense to me when I see these tragedies.
I know that the Bible says in the Psalm 23:4, “Yea, thought I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil; for You are with me; Your rod and Your staff, they comfort me.” This tells me that You are still with me in every situation, and like a shepherd who watches over a flock of sheep, You will be with me no matter where I go and that You were also with the victims in those moments of terror.
I also know that You comfort those who mourn the loss of loved ones because Psalm 34:18 says, “The Lord is near to the brokenhearted and saves the crushed in spirit.”
Even though I don’t understand how such things can happen, I trust what You say in Romans 8:28, “And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love Him, who have been called according to His purpose.”
This tells me that even in times of tragedy, good things can eventually come from them such as more focus for the need of mental-health awareness and counseling to help stop those who might be prone to wanting to hurt others.
I will move forward in confidence, Father, that I have Your peace within me as I enter public places. I know You will be with me in any situation, no matter what, and I thank you for that assurance.
Amen.
About this “Feeling Unsafe Because of Gun Violence Prayer”
Here are some ways I have dealt with feeling unsafe because of gun violence
I use the logic of statistics
As a retired educator, I researched school shooting statistics. According to the National Center for Education Statistics (NCES) there are 130,930 public and private K-12 schools and according to edweek.org, there have been 27 school shootings this year.
While every student and teacher who has lost a life to gun violence is a tremendous loss to the community and those who knew and loved them, statistically I now know that these shootings account for less than 2% of the nation’s K-12 schools. The statistics for church and store shootings this year are even less.
I draw on my faith to believe that you are present with the victims
I know that for the people who have been victims, You also promise in 2 Timothy 4:18 that, “The Lord will rescue me from every evil deed and bring me safely into His heavenly kingdom…” It’s comforting to know that should this happen to me, and for the people it has happened to, that You would be with me and that You were with them to take them home into the ultimate safety of Your loving arms. I now know that You never leave my side and that I have nothing to fear.
Understanding that the likelihood of being the victim of gun violence is statistically low, coupled with Your promises to help me and always be with me, I will move forward in confidence, Father, that I have Your peace within me as I enter public places. I know You will be with me in any situation, no matter what, and I thank you for that assurance.
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