Written by Emily Hamilton-Foott
Lord Jesus, we come before you today, we still our hearts before you. We sit at your feet Jesus – the safest place in the world.
We praise your name because you are our refuge in times of trouble, our shield against the fire, our horn of salvation, our stronghold in the storm.
We come before you, many of us with sadness, fear, and heavy hearts in light of the violence that came upon the city of Dublin this week.
Jesus, we firstly lift up all those who were targeted in the attack against the school – the children, teacher, and passersby. We thank you for the swift emergency services and medical care they have received and that their lives were spared. We pray for full physical recoveries and that you would draw near to the victims and their families and provide comfort, healing, and peace.
We pray for the attacker, that he too would recover physically. We pray for all those involved in the justice system, that they would deal with this case with wisdom and discernment and that he would receive a fair sentence.
We lift up our emergency services & the Gardaí who have been on the receiving end of anger, hatred and violence. We thank you for their service, for their courage, and we ask that you continue to protect and strengthen them.
We lift up those perpetuating violence throughout the city. We pray against the fires of division, anger, racism and hatred, and that instead there would be fires of revival that bring blessing to our nation in Jesus’ name. Our greatest prayer is that every person in Dublin would find salvation and personal transformation in You, Jesus. Not one of us is without sin, Jesus, and yet not one of us is beyond the power of your saving grace.
Lord would you strengthen us as your church in this city. Would you remind those who are fearful that you promise to never to leave or forsake us. For those who are hurting due to how others see them, would you remind them of how you see them, Jesus. Would you help us as your church to promote peace and to speak like you, Jesus. Would you help us to be people of prayer – for prayer is our greatest weapon against warfare.
Finally Lord, we thank you for the words in Isaiah that remind us that you are our Mighty God, Everlasting Father and Prince of Peace. We thank you that you are in control, that you reign over our lives and this city, and that one day you will return, and there will no end to the peace that you restore.
We pray these things in your holy name, Amen.
Evangelical Alliance Ireland (EAI) – A Christian Response to the Dublin Riots