The families of Annunciation Catholic School will bear the heartbreak of this story long after this school year and many other school years after that. But there are also beautiful stories of heroism. Many older children fell atop the little ones to protect and comfort them, suffering injuries for their bravery. These remarkable children are all heroes.
Such a contrast to the shameful, unthinkable, and vulgar examples of some elected officials in Washington. They are an embarrassment to our country. They have chosen to publicly mock God and to publicly mock prayer. I deliberately and on purpose titled this devotion "Prayer is Enough" to contradict their lies. They have repeatedly announced that "Prayer is not Enough!" and "We Need More Than Prayer!" and even the vulgar, unspeakable "F*** Prayer!" My heart responds to these awful words with shock and sadness, but also with disgust and anger. I have to remind myself that their words prove they are dreadfully lost and need Jesus. How far we have fallen, that we have elected leaders who would publicly say such shameful things. Their cruel words multiply the pain and sorrow these families are experiencing.
Prayer IS Enough. Prayer is THE most important, most effective response. We serve a loving God who has given us the precious gift of powerful prayer, along with His unbreakable promises to listen, answer, and even save our prayers in golden bowls. God's heart responds with love. He rushes to answer, most times in ways we don't expect. God grieves evil such as this in ways we cannot know. Only God can provide the comfort, compassion, and strength to go on that these families will need in the coming days.
As we pray for this tragedy, let's remind ourselves of the truths in God's Word. There are so many beloved verses. I know you have your favorites too.
Isaiah 65: 24 –– "I will answer them before they even call to me. While they are still talking about their needs, I will go ahead and answer their prayers!"
1 John 5:14 –– "And we are confident that He hears us whenever we ask for anything that pleases Him."
Psalm 145:18 ––"The Lord is close to all who call on Him."
Psalm 147:3 –– "He heals the brokenhearted and bandages their wounds."
Revelation 5:8 ––"... they held golden bowls filled with incense, which are the prayers of God's people."
God is Enough. Prayer is Enough.
When we pray, we call upon the unlimited power, love, and compassion of King Jesus, who died for this very evil that tears our hearts apart. Keep praying. The children returning to that school need our prayers that they can forget the horror and be innocent children again. The parents need our prayers. The teachers and staff need our prayers. And based on the unspeakable words pouring out of Washington, those who call evil good and good evil need our prayers as well.
"Thank you, Lord, for your promise to hear our prayers. Please heal our land."