NRB | NRB Members Pray for Las Vegas

In the aftermath of the horrific tragedy in Las Vegas in which dozens were killed and hundreds were injured Sunday night, NRB members led and encouraged prayers for the city, for the victims and their loved ones, and for those who are on the front lines of helping the hurting community.

On Sunday, a gunman opened fire on a crowd of people for at least nine minutes from the 32nd floor of a nearby hotel. In the end, 58 were killed and more than 500 were injured in the mass shooting, which marks the deadliest in modern U.S. history to date. The gunman then committed suicide.

“Let’s pray for Las Vegas,” tweeted NRB President & CEO Dr. Jerry A. Johnson after citing Psalm 147:3, which states, “He heals the brokenhearted and binds up their wounds.”

“May the Church show His love to the victims,” he added.

The following is a selection of comments and prayers expressed by members of NRB in the wake of the shooting:

“This morning many of us woke up to the terrible news out of Las Vegas: a gunman shot and killed 50 and injured 400 others.

“This is a horrifying reminder of the evil that can lurk in the heart of man, and the brevity of life on earth.

“At Focus on the Family, we will be lifting prayers for all the families and friends who lost a loved one due to this senseless act of violence and the men and women who were injured. There will be many difficult days to come, but God is faithful to carry, comfort and sustain.”

• Jim Daly, President, Focus on the  Family

“This morning we awoke to the tragic news that at least 50 people were killed and over 200 wounded last night in a mass shooting at a Las Vegas outdoor concert. Please join me in praying for the families of those killed and for all the injured.”

• Franklin Graham, President, Billy Graham Evangelistic Association

“Our hearts go out to the families of those that were killed.

“We need to pray for them.

“We thank God for the courageous first responders who are still on the scene.

“And we pray for the hundreds of wounded people.

“May God extend His comfort to them.

“Events like this remind us that life is short and eternity is real and very close.

“This is why all of us should always be ready to stand before God.

“And the only way to be ready is by having put your faith in Jesus Christ.”

• Greg Laurie, Senior Pastor, Harvest Christian Fellowship

“In the wake of this horrific evil, let us not be numb to what has happened, but have the heart of God who in Proverbs 6 detests evil and those who shed blood. Let us also pause and come to the Lord together on behalf of the families and loved ones whose lives were tragically taken. Psalm 77 reminds us that while we are troubled in these moments to the point that we are at a loss for words and cannot speak, we come before the Lord knowing He will hear us and His steadfast love and grace have not ceased and will come to those who have been deeply affected by this tragedy. Please also join me in prayer for the hundreds who were injured so that their lives would be preserved and would experience a full recovery. May our God bless those who are suffering, and may we as the Church walk compassionately alongside them and show the love of Christ.”

• Paul Nyquist, President, Moody Global Ministries

“I was still in bed when I heard this – my two girlfriends who got me up this morning shared it at my bedside when they came to help me get ready for the day. I was stunned. Shocked. And the first thing we did was to stop and pray.

“But how do you pray at such a time? First, you grieve – just as God grieves, just like His heart breaks. You mourn and lament over the devastation that sin has brought into this world. You feel sorrow and sadness and cry out to God for mercy, for His healing and help. And so, as I was still lying in bed, my friends and I did just that. And I am still praying, as I know you must be. In fact, join me now and together let’s go before God humbly, mournfully, and ask for His healing, not only on our deeply troubled nation, but for the families and loved ones.”

• Joni Eareckson Tada, Founder and CEO of Joni and Friends International  Disability  Center

“What happened in Las Vegas was a combination of a tragedy and an atrocity. So many killed, so many wounded. Whatever possessed the man to do this and inflict such pain?

“Every day brings news that seems harder to contain. Apart from offering help, we get on our knees and ask our Lord to do His work in the hearts of the grieving in a way that only He can do. Our prayers and support go out to the ones affected. It is hard to even imagine what the families are going through. Lord, hear our prayer!”

• Ravi Zacharias, Founder and President, Ravi Zacharias International Ministries

In response to the shooting, a group of Billy Graham Rapid Response Team chaplains is ministering in Las Vegas, offering emotional and spiritual care to people who are suffering. Each chaplain is trained in crisis response and has previous experience ministering after a violent attack in a place that seemed safe.

Focus on the Family is also providing help and guidance for those who need it. To reach a family help specialist or counselor, call 1-800-A-Family. Resources are also available at www.focusonthefamily.com/tragedy.

Read more at NRB Members Pray for Las Vegas.