Our Prayer for Paris

We all desire to live in a secure, predictable and peaceful world – perhaps short of the utopia the prophet Isaiah envisaged where, “The wolf also shall dwell with the lamb ... they shall not hurt nor destroy” (Isaiah 11:6; 65:25), but certainly moving in that direction. And then ... sin raises its ugly head again and cruelly shatters our illusions of “peace on earth.” The Islamic terrorist attacks that were unleashed on Paris a few hours ago have shocked us to the core. Suddenly we have been reminded of our society's – and our own – vulnerability. The death toll from this deliberate, indiscriminate slaughter is climbing towards 150 persons, meaning thousands of people in Paris - and beyond - lost loved ones last night. Those who have lost loved ones need comforting. In their darkest day, they need hope and reassurance. The Bible instructs us to rise to this responsibility: “Wherefore comfort yourselves together, and edify one another, even as also ye do” (1 Thessalonians 5:11, cf. 1 Corinthians 12:25-26). Where we are in a position to give reassurance and comfort, let us be practical in our Christianity: let people know we care. Give a hug, make a phone call, post a message of support on social media – provide help as we are able. Our expressions of care and tears can demonstrate a deep concern for our friends and the victims of tragedy. “... Weep with them that weep” (Romans 12:15). And especially pray that those visited by this horrible terrorism will be led into the calm of the comfort of God. Jesus assures us that our Father in Heaven “is merciful” (Luke 6:36); Paul attests this for he praises Him as, “the Father of mercies, and the God of all comfort” and explains that He, “comforteth us in all our tribulation, that we may be able to comfort them which are in any trouble, by the comfort wherewith we ourselves are comforted of God” (2 Corinthians 1:3-4). This mercy and comfort that are so characteristic of God were supremely seen when He sent His only begotten Son, Jesus, to bear the penalty of our sin and so surrender His life for us. Because of that Calvary sacrifice, Christ made peace for us, and so He appeals to our hearts today, “Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest” (Matthew 11:28). He alone is capable of bringing peace to those in Paris for He is uniquely "the Prince of peace" (John 14:27; Isaiah 9:6). There is a name to me so dear, Like sweetest music to my ear, For when my heart is troubled, filled with fear, Jesus whispers peace When grief seems more than I can bear My soul weighed down with heavy care And I am sorely tempted to despair Jesus whispers peace O that the world might hear Him speak The word of comfort that men seek To all the lowly and to the meek Jesus whispers peace.