This article originally appeared on "Everyday Truth," a blog written by Seth Carter, pastor of First Baptist Church of Paintsville in Paintsville, Kentucky. Click here to view the original post.
Parts of eastern and southeastern Kentucky have been devastated by historic levels of flooding with more rain in the forecast. It is absolutely gut-wrenching to talk to friends and hear of their devastation first hand. It’s also chilling to watch the news reports of lives lost, persons still missing and homes destroyed.
As we await opportunities to provide tangible help to those who have been affected, God’s people are already coming before the throne of grace to intercede on behalf of hurting people and hurting communities.
Out of the multitudes of things for us to pray for in the coming days, here are simply 12 suggestions (along with scripture references) that can be used as somewhat of prayer guide as we lift up our intercessions to the Father in the name of our Lord Jesus:
1.) Pray that even in the midst of calamity, God would be glorified. (Isaiah 45:7)
2.) Pray that through this time of deep distress, many lost souls would respond in faith to the gospel message by placing their trust in the Lord Jesus Christ. (Rom. 1:16; Rom. 10:17)
3.) Pray that families who have lost loved ones would receive divine comfort. (Psalm 34:18)
4.) Pray for those who are unable to contact missing loved ones and friends. (1 Peter 5:7)
5.) Pray for those who may still be stranded and are in need of urgent rescue. (Psalm 46:1)
6.) Pray for those who have had their homes/livelihood destroyed. Pray that they might have hope in an eternal inheritance that can never be destroyed. (1 Peter 1:4-7)
7.) Pray for the safety and strength of those who have and continue to lead and perform search and rescue operations. (Psalm 16:1)
8.) Pray for leaders and officials at all levels of state and local government as they make plans for response and recovery. (1 Tim. 2:1-4)
9.) Pray for the churches/pastors in devastated communities. Pray that they may be granted grace and strength to rejoice in the midst of suffering and thus provide gospel light in a dark and tragic time. (Matt. 5:14; Rom. 5:3-5; James 1:2-4)
10.) Pray that God would hold back and even redirect the rain that is still forecasted for flooded areas. (Jeremiah 32:27)
11.) Pray for wisdom and discernment for every organization, team, business, family, individual, etc. who will be offering assistance and relief in the coming days. Pray for direction in how to provide the most needed help. (Proverbs 3:5-7)
12.) Pray that the people of eastern and southeastern Kentucky would lean on one another in this time of calamity, and that we would “love our neighbor as ourself.” (Mark 12:31)
“Prayer girds human weakness with divine strength, turns human folly into heavenly wisdom, and gives to troubled mortals the peace of God. We know not what prayer can do.” – C.H. Spurgeon