Dear Brothers and Sisters,
In Romans 8 the Apostle Paul writes, “[T]he Spirit helps us in our weakness. For we do not know what to pray for as we ought, but the Spirit himself intercedes for us with groanings too deep for words” (v. 26). After the horrific and depraved shooting incident on Monday at Covenant School in Nashville, a ministry of Covenant Church PCA, I wrestled with how to voice my prayer before the Lord, my heart was so grieved from hearing about the loss of six precious lives. My guess is that you have wrestled with similar feelings this week. In times of such deep mourning, remember that we have the Spirit of God who intercedes for us “with groanings too deep for words.”
I want to share with you a prayer that was written by a PCA leader:
Oh God, be Merciful,
‘You have fed us with the bread of tears and given us tears to drink in full measure.’
Our hearts are broken for the families of the six people whose lives were taken in yesterday’s expression of evil at Covenant Presbyterian Church Academy.
We ask that you will be merciful. Pour out grace we can’t comprehend on those who bear pain we can’t imagine. We have no words to do what only your Spirit can provide. God, be merciful.
For the family of our brother Chad Scruggs, in the loss of their daughter and sister, Hallie, Father, be merciful.
For the families of the other two children, Lord, be merciful.
For the families of the three adults whose lives were taken, Lord be merciful.
For those injured in the attack, Lord be merciful.
For the Covenant Presbyterian Academy, their Students, Faculty and Administration, Father, be merciful.
For the Covenant Presbyterian Church community, their Members, Pastors, Staffs, Young People, Children and Leaders, God, be merciful.
For the family of the attacker, Lord, be merciful.
For area Churches, and Pastors throughout the City, Father, be merciful.
For Greater Nashville, Father, be merciful.
For the life of the Church in the world, Lord, be merciful.
For the hope of the world, God be merciful.
Though we live in the promise of what will one day be, when one day all sorrow, sadness, weeping and death will be no more, today we are devastated for our brothers and sisters. In this, ‘our tears have been our food, day and night.’
Come Quickly, Lord Jesus.
Amen.
As we join together in a few days to worship our Lord on Palm Sunday, we will be reminded that the Lord indeed is King over all creation and that he has defeated sin, death, and the devil, and will one day drive away all darkness forever. Our passage for this Sunday is Mark 11:1-11.
Please prepare your hearts beforehand through prayer and confession to come together for the Lord’s Supper.
Here is the link to Sunday’s worship service (9:30am).
Good Friday Service: April 7 (6:30pm)
On Friday, April 7 we will hold our Good Friday service. Join us for this service of Scripture readings, music, and reflection as we worship of our Lord and Savior who gave himself for us as the sacrifice for our sins. The service will begin at 6:30pm in the Worship Center.
Easter Lilies
If you would like to order Easter lilies, a signup sheet is available in the narthex. Easter lilies are $10.00. Please place your payment in the offering plate indicating payment is for Easter lilies, or you can give online here. Please have your order to the church office by April 5.
Prayer Requests
Karla Van Der Molen: Continue to pray for strength and encouragement for Karla as she navigates ALS.
Lois Sullivan (Dan Wetherington’s sister): Pray for healing for Lois who recently suffered a hemorrhagic stroke; she is now recovering at Marianjoy Rehabilitation Center.
In Christ,
Pastor Rhett