Lamenting Murder

In the wake of Charlie Kirk's assassination, we turn to God in prayer. We may or may not have known of him or agreed with his politics, but we share a common concern for a brother. As Charlie stood publicly for his faith, we, the church, will lament this awful act. To do this, we will use King David’s lament when he fled from his own son, Absalom, who persecuted him.

Psalm 3:1-2 - Lord, how many are my foes! How many rise up against me! Many are saying of me, “God will not deliver him.”

Lord, we live in a time in the West, where trust in you is no longer valued by our country, and is tolerated less and less. We are saddened. We pray for Charlie's Kirks wife and children that he has left behind. Comfort them in their grief. May they know your love as they walk this valley in the shadow of death.

We think of those places in the world outside the West where our brothers and sisters in Christ can't even speak your name publicly, every single day, where they can't meet in freedom like we can, where many Christian leaders are targeted and yet we never hear. Guard them, guard us. Strengthen them, strengthen us.

Psalm 3:3-4 - But you, Lord, are a shield around me, my glory, the One who lifts my head high. I call out to the Lord, and he answers me from his holy mountain.

Lord, you are sovereign. We pray to you because you are in control, even in turbulent times, you are our shield. You answer our prayer. Protect your church. Protect us as we seek to share your message of forgiveness to a society that is turning away from forgiveness. Be at work in Australia to allow us to meet as your church and continue in freedom to hold out your gospel of hope.

Psalm 3:5-6 - I lie down and sleep; I wake again, because the Lord sustains me. I will not fear though tens of thousands assail me on every side.

Help us as a church not to be ruled by fear, but by your peace, knowing you sustain us.

Psalm 3:7-8 - Arise, Lord! Deliver me, my God! Strike all my enemies on the jaw; break the teeth of the wicked. From the Lord comes deliverance. May your blessing be on your people.

May we not be a community that takes vengeance into our own hands, but leaves it to you, O just Judge. In your mercy, bless Dapto Anglican as we look to you our Sovereign Lord for deliverance.

We ask this through Jesus Christ our Lord. AMEN.

By Craig McCorkindale