Horror on the Baseball Field

Just last week, America experienced a horrifying event on a baseball field in Virginia. Politicians were practicing to compete in a bipartisan game. A gunman asked the question if they were democrat or republic. He then began shooting. The shooting went on for approximately ten minutes, with some saying the gunman fired at least 100 rounds.

How do we respond to yet another shooting? How do we make sense of senseless acts? Personally, I actually don’t know how to respond. And I certainly can’t make any sense of it. But, I do look to our God for finding hope and peace. I do know I can pray. Will you join me?

Dear Father in Heaven, We come to you today and thank you that you are God and will always rule this earth with truth and grace. You know the pain and suffering in America this week. Actually, you are well aware of the pain and suffering all over our world, particularly in England, in the last month. 

We thank you for your divine providence on the baseball field last week and so grateful for the U.S. Capitol police who responded. Lord, what a picture of your grace! We know that so many more would have been wounded or killed, if not for them being there. We pray for healing of all those injured in the attack. Heal our hurting nation.

We come to you, Father. Where else can we go to make sense of such utterly senseless acts that occur? Who else can we trust but You? We can trust in political leaders, but they can fail us. We can trust in social media and news, but they fail us too. We can trust in ourselves, but we can deceive ourselves. So, Lord, help us trust You, not just now, but each day. 

Thank you, God, that you were there that day on the baseball field. Amidst the horror, you were very present and working against the evil. Lord, would this be a reminder to us today that you are worthy of our trust? You are the only One who can sustain the weight of our hurt, grief and aches of life. Lord, would you use the horror on the baseball field to ignite our hearts to pray for our country, for our leaders and for each other. May we be agents of peace and unity. Show us when we are quick to judge one another. Teach us to love and speak well of others. Inspire us to make a difference in this world. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

"When I am afraid, I put my trust in You." Psalm 56:3

"Don't let your hearts be troubled. Trust in God, and trust also in me." John 14:1

Nancy Abbott is the Chaplain for the YMCA of Greater San Antonio.