Atrocities

Friday, October 7, 2022

When we hear news and see pictures of torture and mass killings of fellow human beings, we are reminded of man’s depravity. Cruelty runs amuck throughout the entire history of humankind.

Today, Muslims are often a part of such atrocities. Sometimes they are the predators, while at other times they are the victims. Certainly terrorist acts committed by Muslims far outnumber those acts committed against them. We are not here to point a finger of blame or determine guilt and innocence—rather we are praying for God’s mercy on all parties. Yes, we pray for both sufferers and oppressors.

Prayer

Lord, we bring to you with sadness and pain the brutalities and monstrous horrors that people inflict upon each other even in our day. Have mercy on us, O God. We do not deserve your kindness and compassion; but in your grace, intervene today in the affairs of our ravaged, cruel world.

Lord God, I pray against the powers that cause people to be brutal and merciless towards one another. Defeat Satan who is a murderer and an instigator of killing. Let Christ with his mercy and compassion rule over people’s hearts and minds. Change hearts by the power of your Holy Spirit. May people be delivered from the enemy’s oppression, darkness and servitude.

Help us to be merciful and kind as we deal with one another. May we guard each other’s dignity and right to life.

Promise

Blessed are the merciful, for they will be shown mercy (Matthew 5:7).