Weep and Mourn and Call for the Watchmen

For some unknown reason, a man named Devin Patrick Kelley went to Sutherland Springs, TX, yesterday and opened fire on a church service at the First Baptist Church. He killed 26 people, including children and the pastor’s own daughter. About 20 additional congregants were wounded. This was the largest church shooting in our history, as far as we know. This happened in a tiny Texas town with about 400 residents. About 50 people attended a typical service at the church, which means almost all of them were involved. Chances are that every family in and around the town was touched by this tragedy. So many families are in pain today. We refuse to accept this type of violence as a new normal for this nation. We won’t accept attacks on our schools, houses of worship, neighborhoods or events. We will watch and we will pray.

“For this is what the sovereign master has told me: ‘Go, post a guard! He must report what he sees. When he sees chariots, teams of horses, riders on donkeys, riders on camels, he must be alert, very alert.’ Then the guard cries out: ‘On the watchtower, O sovereign master, I stand all day long; at my post I am stationed every night.’” (Isaiah 21:6-8; NET)

Give Him 15 minutes in prayer:

  • Weep with those who weep today. Let compassion drive your prayers.
  • Ask God to comfort the many family members and friends who have been affected by this tragedy.
  • Declare that the full explanation of this situation will be known.
  • Declare that the Believers in America will not give this nation over to the strategies of the enemy to cause fear and destruction.
  • Tell the Lord that you are willing to be a watchman, watching with Him over your city.

A prayer you can pray:

Father, my heart is breaking for the situation that occurred at the First Baptist Church in Sutherland, TX, yesterday. Comfort those who are mourning and in pain. We have had too many of these types of large-scale shootings lately. All the reasons seem different, but we know who is ultimately behind them all – Satan, our ancient foe. Lord, pull the curtains back on the full truth! We declare that we Christians will take their places as watchman over our realms of influence – our cities, schools, neighborhoods. I am signing up to be a watchman, watching with You, Jesus. Show me things I need to see. Amen.

Today’s decree:

I will stand all day long at my post and will not abandon the post You station me at through the night.