Prayers to Embrace Love in the Face of Tragedy.

I hope this email finds you amidst the comfort of loved ones, although our hearts may be heavy with grief and mourning in light of the recent events that unfolded during the Fourth of July weekend. 

The Fourth of July, a day meant for celebration and the embrace of freedom, became a somber reminder of the brokenness in our world. 

The sound of gunfire shattered what was intended to be a time of joy filled with cherished memories and shared moments with family, friends, and neighbors, taking away lives and leaving profound loss and sorrow behind.

These senseless acts of violence have deeply impacted Fort Worth and other communities like Philadelphia, Baltimore, and Shreveport.

Ten lives were tragically lost, and thirty-eight others were left injured. Witnessing such heinous acts on a day when we should be commemorating freedom is disheartening.

But even amid darkness, we must not lose sight of the hope and redemption that Jesus offers. 

Tonight in prayer, let us turn to Matthew 11:28-30, where Jesus extends His invitation to all who are weary and burdened:

"28 Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. 29 Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. 30 For my yoke is easy and my burden is light."

These words of Jesus remind us that in times of great pain and sorrow, we can find solace and rest in Him. As we gather in prayer, let us commit to praying for the following:

For the Families and Victims

We lift up the families who have lost loved ones, praying for comfort and healing in their time of deep grief. May God’s peace, which surpasses all understanding, envelop them and provide them with the strength they need to navigate this difficult journey.

For the Attackers

We also hold in our prayers those responsible for these acts of violence. While it may be challenging, let us seek God’s grace to pray for their transformation and redemption. 

For the Communities

And as we intercede for the affected communities, may God’s healing touch bring comfort, mend broken hearts, and dispel the anger, grief, and fear that have taken hold.

For the Churches

We pray for our churches, called to be beacons of light in times of darkness that are beyond our comprehension. May we as churches, and all the more as His Church, continue to reflect the love of Jesus to those around us, embracing all with compassion, understanding, and grace. 

In the face of hatred, may we boldly claim love as our response, extending it to both those we know and those who seem far from us, to strangers and friends alike. Let our love be a powerful testament to the transformative power of Jesus within us.

Lastly, may the words of Jesus in Matthew 11:28-30 guide us and inspire us to trust in His restorative power, even in the face of unimaginable tragedy.

Join us tonight at 8 pm via Zoom as we navigate these challenging times together to maintain unity in the Spirit as we seek God’s healing, reconciliation, and redemption.

God bless,
Pastor Alvin & Mallary Brown

alvin@makingamosaic.com :: mallary@makingamosaic.com

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P.S.S. Mark your calendar and join us for food and fun at The Brown’s house (text The Browns for location details).

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General Prayer Requests & Updates

For evangelism to flourish so communities and campuses in the greater Fort Worth area will be reached, and the lost will see and experience the love of Christ and be drawn to his kingdom.

For signs and wonders to follow the preaching of His Word.

For team unity and laborers to help carry the load.

For finances and provisions.

For fully funded campus missionaries (2 per campus) to help reach the next generation — University of Texas at Arlington (UTA), Texas Christian University (TCU), Tarrant County College (TCC), Texas Wesleyan University (TWU) and Tarleton State University – Fort Worth (TSU).