Prayers for Steven Curtis Chapman and Family

I just read about the terrible loss suffered by Steven Curtis Chapman and his family. His little 5-year-old daughter, Maria, was run over in their driveway and killed. Her teenage brother was driving the car. This strikes especially close to home as my younger brother, Kirk, was almost injured this way when he was 7. My older brother, Kevin, was 16 at the time, and was backing a car out of our carport. Kirk was playing behind the car, and Kevin didn't see him. By God's grace, my dad glanced up just in time to see what was happening, and he ran to grab Kirk, hitting and breaking the tail light of the car in the process. It was a very close call, and one that gives my dad chills to this day.

Please keep this family in your prayers, especially Maria's brother. Tragedy like this is terribly hard to take, even for adults. For a teenager, it would be devastating.

Father God, we ask you to be close to this family, even in this very moment. Let Your healing touch rest upon each person, bringing peace and comfort even in the face of such loss. Wash over this young teenage boy, Most Holy God, with Your presence, letting him know he is not alone. That You are with him, loving him, ready to help him walk this difficult path. Thank you for godly parents who entrust their kids to you. May Your love surround this family, cushioning them, cloaking them, undergirding them. And may they know, without a doubt, that they will see this precious one again in eternity.

Thank You, Father, for Your grace and immeasurable mercy. And for the love that will sustain this family through this time.

Amen.