Praying for Italy

Saturday, August 27^th, has been designated a national day of mourning in Italy. In the early morning hours last Wednesday, a 6.2 magnitude earthquake hit the central part of the country. Many of the towns in the area around Amatrice, about 100 km northeast of Rome, were completely demolished. At least 287 people were killed, nearly 400 were injured and over 2000 are homeless. Noone has been pulled alive from the rubble since Wednesday night and regular aftershocks are hampering rescue efforts. Historical buildings and works of art were also damaged or destroyed.

“‘Though the mountains be shaken and the hills be removed, yet my unfailing love for you will not be shaken nor my covenant of peace be removed,’ says the LORD, who has compassion on you.” (Isaiah 54:10; NIV)

Give Him 15 minutes in prayer:

• The residents of Amatrice, Italy, and the surrounding cities need to know how much God loves them today. Ask the Father to help the mourning there to turn to Him for comfort and feel His tangible love for them.
• The Bible tells us in Romans 12:15 to mourn with those who mourn. It’s okay to weep as you pray.
• Ask God for angelic assistance for the rescue workers, so that they can find any other survivors today! Command the earth to stand still, so the rescue efforts are successful.

A prayer you can pray:

Father, we pray that You would pour Your love and comfort out on the residents of Amatrice and the other towns in Italy that have been devastated by these earthquakes and aftershocks. Holy Spirit, be their Comforter. Help them to turn to You in this time of great need and fear, and find comfort in the depth of Your love for them. May many find You as Savior in this time of trauma. Lord, also, send angels to help, and lead the rescue workers right to where the survivors can be found! We ask these things in Jesus’ Name. Amen!

Today’s decree:

God will comfort those who mourn and find the physically and spiritually lost in Italy today!