A Romans Response to Tragedy

O gracious God, we can see your presence and your power at work in the world ( Rom. 1:7, 20 ), but often the truth seems submerged under so many lies ( Rom. 1:23 ). We like to think our world is safe and good and peaceful, but we know there is all manner of unrighteousness, evil, and malice ( Rom. 1:29 ). We renounce all that is foolish, faithless, heartless, and ruthless ( Rom. 1:31 ), and confess that the same spirit of rebellion can pulse through our veins ( Rom. 2:1 ).

You are a righteous Judge, storing up judgment for the impenitent ( Rom. 2:5 ). Pour out your wrath and fury upon the godless, and in your kindness lead us to repentance that we might not be numbered among them ( Rom. 2:4-8 ). Speak to the consciences of your creatures that we may run from what is wrong and turn to what is right ( Rom. 2:14-16 ).

Sovereign Lord, may the unrighteousness of man serve to show the world your righteousness ( Rom. 3:5 ). Apart from you, we are not merely broken and wounded, but worthless and wicked ( Rom. 3:12 ). We see the feet of those who are swift to shed blood and shudder to think of the ruin and misery they leave in their paths ( Rom. 3:15-16 ). It is true of killers, shooters, and terrorists—just as it was once true of of us—there is no fear of God before their eyes ( Rom. 3:18 ).

Have mercy, O God, for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God ( Rom. 3:23 ). Justify us by the grace that is ours in Christ Jesus ( Rom. 3:24 ). Forgive our lawless deeds ( Rom. 4:7 ). May grace reign in us through the righteousness that leads to eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord ( Rom. 5:21 ). Crucify our sinful desires ( Rom. 6:6 ). Set us free from the things to lead to death ( Rom. 6:21 ). Make us slaves to ever-increasing righteousness ( Rom. 6:18, 19, 22 ). Deliver us, O Lord, from these bodies of death ( Rom. 7:24 ).

We know that we are not yet what we will be; oh how eagerly we long for the revealing of your glory in us ( Rom. 8:18-19 ). In the midst of so much death, disease, and destruction, we join with all creation in groaning for freedom, in crying out for relief from the bondage to decay ( Rom. 8:20-23 ). We want to hope, but hope is hard, so give us patience to wait for what we cannot see ( Rom. 8:24-25 ).

Grant us your Spirit—an aid in weakness and an intercessor to pray when we don’t know what to speak ( Rom. 8:26-27 ). We know that all things work together for good, for those who are called according to your purpose ( Rom. 8:28 ). So keep those you call and bring safely home all all your children still on the journey ( Rom. 8:29-30 ).

Many people are hurting. So many struggle. And so many things can seem against us. But if you are for us, that is more than enough ( Rom. 8:31 ). If you gave up your Son, we can trust you to take up our cause ( Rom. 8:32 ). No matter the trial and no matter the trouble, we know Jesus is praying for us, Jesus is with us, and Jesus will never leave us nor forsake us ( Rom. 8:34-39 ).

We praise you, O God, for your never-failing, never-faltering, never-giving-up-on-us love ( Rom. 8:37-39 ).