In this fallen world in which we live, we can never predict when a tragedy will strike or how close to home it may be.

People across the U.S. woke up this Thursday morning to the tragic news that an American Airlines regional jet collided with a military helicopter over Washington D.C. Everyone on both the plane and the helicopter are feared dead and rescue efforts are now turning into recovery efforts.

As reported: “The tragedy involved a regional plane, American Airlines Flight 5342, that was carrying 60 passengers and four crew members as it approached Reagan National Airport (DCA) for landing en route from Wichita, Kan. (ICT). Law enforcement said it collided with a Black Hawk helicopter carrying three passengers on a training mission. The plane was a Bombardier CRJ700. All 67 are feared dead.”

News of the crash is all over news sites and social media this morning. You can read more about the crash here. But as you read the details of this tragic event, know that we serve a God who will one day make all things right and will wipe away every tear (Rev. 21:4). So instead of despair, we can turn to him with our grief.

Let’s pray together.

Lord, for many of us, this was just another run-of-the-mill Thursday morning. We woke up thinking about our to-do lists, making breakfast, getting the kids out the door to school. But then we turned on the news or scrolled through social media posts that alerted us to this terrible tragedy and loss of life. It jolted us out of our temporary complacency and was a stark reminder that all is not as it should be in the world.


So this morning, Lord, let us lay aside our personal struggles and focus our attention on those who are grieving. We pray for comfort for the families of every person who lost their life both on the airplane and the helicopter. Surround them with a loving, caring support system today and in the difficult days of grief ahead. Give them hope when it seems like none can be found--a peace that the world cannot understand because it only comes from you.

We acknowledge that you are the one who gives and takes away and we won’t always understand why this side of heaven. But we also know that you will never leave us or forsake us. We know that each life is precious to you and you know each of us so intimately that you can count each hair on our heads (Luke 12:7).

Jesus, we remember your words that you will send the Holy Spirit to be with us. You called him the Comforter, and we ask for his comforting presence now for the sake of those who are grieving. We pray that he would still anxious, despairing hearts and draw people to you through this tragedy.

Father, we also pray for the first responders and all who are involved in the rescue and recovery efforts. We pray that you would direct their steps and allow them to serve with diligence and gentleness. We pray boldly for your guidance that each body would be found so that the process of closure and healing can begin.

Lastly, Lord, we pray for all those traveling today. This tragedy has sparked fear in the hearts of many who were about to board an airplane. We ask for your peace and the assurance that nothing is out of your control and there is nothing we can do or fail to do that is outside your plan. Give your Spirit of assurance to all airline passengers today and your wisdom to pilots and crew members.

We pray all this boldly, knowing you welcome us to the throne of grace.

In Jesus’ name,
Amen.

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