Early on the morning of July 4, flash floods in Central Texas claimed the lives of more than 100 people—including children—with several still missing. Dozens of communities are grieving these losses as they grapple with the additional destruction of homes and businesses and the disruption of lives and livelihoods.
During these times, it can be difficult to fix our minds on God’s promises. But even when we are overwhelmed with sorrow or struggle to find the words to pray, God’s Word reminds us of timeless truths and encourages our hearts. Consider Psalm 29:10–11 (GNT):
The LORD rules over the deep waters;
he rules as king forever.
The LORD gives strength to his people
and blesses them with peace.
We find here two powerful truths. First, God rules over all the events of our lives—even the most tragic and heartbreaking. Nothing we experience in this broken world escapes his notice. Second, God cares deeply for us. He draws near to the brokenhearted (Psalm 34:18). He blesses his people with strength and peace, and he promises a future where all tears are wiped away (Revelation 21:4).
Here at American Bible Society, we have personal connections with some of those affected by these floods. Their sorrow is our sorrow, and we seek to pray for them even as they may feel unable to voice their prayers. We also find comfort in God’s promise to help us in these times of deep suffering, translating our grief through his Spirit (Romans 8:26).
As we stand with those grieving in Texas, we can turn to prayer as we trust God to respond to these great needs. Here are three ways to pray right now:
Pray for search and rescue efforts.
Even several days after the initial flooding, rescue workers are tirelessly searching for those who are missing or in need of help. Pray for those who are missing or stranded to be found, and for their lives to be preserved. Pray for rescue workers and first responders to be blessed with strength to carry out their work. Pray for all those who have witnessed this tragedy up close to bring their burdens to God and receive his perfect peace in return. Pray that, as rain continues, the situation would not grow worse.
Pray for grieving families.
Pray for the families of the children and adults who lost their lives in these floods. As each family grieves, pray that they will find hope and peace in God and in his Word. Pray for the churches and communities who support these families, that many can come alongside them in this difficult time and in the weeks to come. Pray for God to draw near to each family member, and that each will personally experience the comfort of Jesus in their sorrow.
Pray for communities to heal and rebuild.
In the aftermath of these floods, pray that communities would be able to rebuild. Pray for those who have lost homes, possessions, or businesses to experience God’s provision and protection. Pray for long-term healing for these communities, especially as they move forward after this tragedy. Pray that believers would be faithful in sharing the truths of God’s Word with those seeking hope. Pray that churches would be places of refuge and healing, both now and in the future.
