God is our merciful Father and the source of all comfort. He comforts us in all our troubles so that we can comfort others. (2 Corinthians 1:3,4)

How do we begin to pray for the victims and their families in the recent shooting in Las Vegas? Like sorting through the wreckage, our hearts begin to sort through all the trauma, and we hardly know how to pray and where to start. Let’s begin by praying specifically a simple, heart-felt prayer over the victims of this senseless act of violence.* Let’s begin by praying through some of the list of names of those whose lives were taken.

Lord,

Help us to know how to pray. Show us, Father. You grieve along with us.

Father, we lift up all the victims to You. For Denise Salmon Burditus, we pray for her husband, Tony. Please ease his burden today, comfort him, and walk with him in his sorrow.  He was with Denise at the concert, and he must be overwhelmed with heartache. Please bring others around him to counsel and comfort his  heart.

Lord, we ask for comfort for Carrie Barnette’s family, friends, as well as her co-workers at Disney. Grant them peace this moment. You care about the sparrow that falls, so we know that You also care for Carrie’s beloved dog, Lucy. Settle all the hearts and minds of those who loved Carrie. We thank You that You catch every tear they shed.

Jennifer Parks was also at the concert with her husband, Bobby, who was wounded in the shooting. Father, we lift up Bobby to You now. Comfort and heal His aching soul. We ask You to also comfort their two children as well as Ms. Parks’ kindergarten class, her volleyball athletes, and the entire Westside Union School District where she worked.

Christiana Duarte’s family is heart-broken, Lord, over this traumatic and senseless violence, leaving them mourning the loss of their beloved Christiana, missing her lovely voice and kind-hearted, giving soul. Bring them together in this time of sadness and loss, as they comfort one another.

Victor Link perished despite his friends’ efforts to remove him to safety and revive him. Father, be with those friends as they grieve. Hold his son, Christian, close to Your side as well as his partner, Lynne.

Lord, we lift up the family and friends of  Dana Gardner to you, especially for her daughter, Kayla, who is grieving such a terrible loss. Be with her co-workers in San Bernadino, and fill them with the knowledge of Your love and comfort. 

Stacee Etcheber leaves behind her husband Vincent and two beloved children. Please send Your compassion and comfort to them. Flood their hearts with Your presence. 

Father, these are just a few of those who perished; when we take into consideration all the people impacted by this event, the magnitude of bereavement is overwhelming. Be with all the families and friends of each victim. Send them comfort through people and through Your Holy Spirit.

In Jesus’ Name
Amen

Photo credit: Kamelia Snowfield via Foter.com / CC BY-SA
* Source of information: https://www.nytimes.com/2017/10/02/us/vegas-victims-names.html