For many of us, it's hard to know what to say in the light of the appalling terror attack in the French city of Nice. Yet another atrocity has struck a nation still reeling from the horrors of Paris, and a world that is now becoming painfully used to hearing the sort of breaking news which has just emerged. The sheer brutality involved, particularly in this case, where it's thought the driver of the truck kept going for around 2km as more and more people died, leaves us speechless. Death tolls; merciless innocent slaughter - it's hard to take that these have become the signs of our times.
It's also becoming understandably difficult to know what or how to pray in the aftermath of such incidents. We know that God is still good, that he is love, that his light still shines in the darkness, that he mourns over this kind of outrage more than any of us. Yet if we're honest, the frequency and scale of terrorist activity can have a gruelling effect on our faith. Just last week, more than 200 people were killed in an ISIS bombing in Baghdad; a month ago we were processing the disgusting mass-murder in an Orlando nightclub. Each time we come together to pray; still evil keeps advancing.
And yet we know that as people of faith, it's our responsibility to dig deep, to keep looking to our God, and to follow Paul's words in Galatians 6:9: "Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up." Right now many of us feel incredibly weary, and most of us can't even imagine what the loved ones of those who have died must be going through.
So, taking Paul's lead and asking God for his help in picking us up off the floor, we turn to the most powerful resource that we have: prayer. Even if like me, you find it incredibly difficult in the context, I believe that God hears and responds to our prayers; they really matter. If we want to do something positive; if we want to help, prayer has got to be our first response. Here are just a few thoughts about the specific things we could be praying for as this awful story continues to unfold.
For the families and friends of those killed
Pray that somehow the peace of God, which transcends all understanding (Philippians 4:7) will be deeply tangible for those who have just had to face their worst nightmare. Pray for those parents who've just lost a child; for family members and friends just receiving terrible news. Pray too for those who face anxious wait while their loved ones are in hospital among the many seriously injured.
For the doctors and other medical staff working with the injured
Medical teams will we working around the clock to help the estimated 50 injured, many of whom are children. Pray for skill, sustenance, and strength, especially as they are repeatedly faced with awful scenes. Pray too that they would have divine help when communicating bad or difficult news to families.
For the political and social fallout
There is significant tension in France and throughout Europe between different ethnic and religious communities, and this will only be heightened further by early suggestions of a connection to terror group Islamic State. Pray that people will be able to tell the difference between radicalised terrorists and faithful Muslims, and pray against misguided social unrest or further violence in response.
For media reporting
Pray that the media report sensibly, responsibly, and respectfully. There is so often a haze of misinformation, incorrect allegations and assumptions created by the worldwide appetite for 24-hour rolling news. Pray that the media behave more responsibly this time, and don't look to sensationalise or speculate – both of which can lead to the kind of social problems described above.
Pray for the perpetrators
No-one is going to pretend this is easy, but Jesus – who in the middle of the agony of crucifixion was able to ask for the forgiveness of his torturers – tells us "love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you" (Matthew 5:44). This feels especially raw, yet it chimes with our experience that further hatred does not solve the problem of hate. The man who carried out the awful attack may be dead, but it's unlikely that he operated alone; so pray for those who were part of this, and whatever wider network is behind it, that they would somehow be reached by the love of God and the conviction that this violence and bloodshed must end. And perhaps more palatably, pray that they see hope emerging where they sought to cast despair; love and compassion where they aimed for chaos.
Against desensitisation
Pray that you will not become less aware of the awful horror of what has happened, just because it has happened yet again. Take time to identify with the families of the victims, and to 'mourn with those who mourn'. (Romans 12:15)
It's not easy. But we must continue to pray; we simply must not give up. If we do, terrorism simply claims another victory. Let us not become weary.
Martin Saunders is a Contributing Editor for Christian Today and the Deputy CEO of Youthscape.
