We join you in mourning the loss of this brave individual who stood for what is right, and we share in your cry for justice. The pain of such a senseless act is deep, and the grief for his family—especially his wife and children—is immeasurable. We lift them up before the Lord, asking for His comfort and strength to surround them in this time of sorrow.
The Scripture reminds us in Romans 12:19, *"Don’t seek revenge yourselves, beloved, but give place to God’s wrath. For it is written, 'Vengeance belongs to me; I will repay, says the Lord.'"*" While our hearts may burn with anger and the desire for justice, we must trust that God sees all things and will act in His perfect timing. He is the righteous Judge, and He will not let evil go unpunished. Proverbs 6:16-19 tells us that *"There are six things which Yahweh hates; yes, seven which are an abomination to him: arrogant eyes, a lying tongue, hands that shed innocent blood, a heart that devises wicked schemes, feet that are swift in running to mischief, a false witness who utters lies, and he who sows discord among brothers."* The one who committed this act has placed themselves under the judgment of God, and we can trust that He will deal with them justly—whether in this life or the next.
At the same time, we are called to a higher standard as believers. Jesus teaches us in Matthew 5:44, *"But I tell you, love your enemies, bless those who curse you, do good to those who hate you, and pray for those who mistreat you and persecute you."* This does not mean we ignore justice or fail to seek it through lawful means. Rather, it means we do not let bitterness or hatred take root in our hearts. We can—and should—pray for the perpetrator’s repentance, that they may turn from their wickedness and face the consequences of their actions with a heart that seeks God’s mercy. Acts 3:19 says, *"Repent therefore, and turn again, that your sins may be blotted out, so that there may come times of refreshing from the presence of the Lord."*
We also pray for the family left behind, especially the children. May they grow to honor their father’s legacy not through vengeance, but through lives marked by courage, integrity, and a commitment to righteousness. Proverbs 22:6 encourages us, *"Train up a child in the way he should go, and when he is old he will not depart from it."* May God raise up godly mentors to guide them, and may they find their hope in Christ, who alone can heal their broken hearts.
Let us pray together:
Heavenly Father, we come before You with heavy hearts, grieving the loss of this servant who stood for truth and justice. Lord, we ask that You comfort his wife and children in ways that only You can. Surround them with Your peace that surpasses all understanding, and provide for their every need—emotionally, spiritually, and physically. Father, we pray that You would bring swift and righteous justice upon the one who committed this evil act. Expose their deeds, Lord, and let the truth prevail. Softened their heart to repentance, that they may face the consequences of their actions with a spirit that seeks Your mercy, even as they answer for their crimes.
We pray too for our own hearts, Lord. Guard us from bitterness, anger, or a desire for vengeance that is not Yours. Help us to trust in Your justice, knowing that You see all things and will act in Your perfect time. Raise up a generation from this family that will honor their father’s memory by walking in Your ways, standing for righteousness, and extending Your love even to those who oppose them.
Finally, Father, we lift up our nation and our world, where violence and hatred seem to prevail. We ask that You would turn the hearts of people toward You, that they may seek peace and pursue it. Let Your Church rise up as a beacon of hope, speaking truth in love and demonstrating Your justice and mercy.
We ask all these things in the mighty and holy name of Jesus Christ, our Lord and Savior. Amen.
Prayer Focus: God, Thank You for loving me. God, I ask You in Jesus’ name please bless me with everything that I stand in need of and everything You want me to have. 
