National Day of Prayer President: How Christians Should Respond to the Las Vegas Massacre

National Day of Prayer President Ronnie Floyd started his morning interceding both alone and with a group of friends. Now he’s asking you to do the same in the wake of the worst mass shooting in U.S. history.

“I believe that Scripture is pretty clear that when lawlessness increases and obviously sin will abound,” Floyd tells Charisma News. “Really [the Las Vegas massacre] has more to do with the fallenness of mankind than it has to do with where God is. God is here. God is with the people of Las Vegas. He is with every one of those people who have suffered today in some capacity. We just have to be able to trust Him even when we see things like this occur in which we have absolutely no comprehension about why this would happen and why someone would do this.”

At the time of reporting, Stephen Paddock had killed 58 and injured more than 515 others. Police say they believe the domestic terrorist had no militant affiliation.

“I do believe that every one of these horrific acts that happens across the world, all evidence nearing the return of the Lord,” Floyd says. “I have no idea when it will be, but it’s pretty obvious we are living in days like none of us have seen before. We’re definitely being called back to God through every one of these events that were observing and watching occur around the world, especially those in our own country happening now more than we’ve ever seen.”

For Christians searching for how to serve the people of Las Vegas, Floyd offers this advice:

I’m praying for the peace of Christ to be with those who have lost loved ones. The peace of Christ is what we need to share about right now. Pray for those being cared for as well as first responders. Those are the main things, as well as just really trying without sensationalizing anything that happened today; this is just horrible. This is a time when America really needs to come together and call out to God together. these are extraordinary moments we are witnessing in history, and we don’t need to minimize that sovereign God is calling His church back to Him. The church needs to stand up and step up. Pray also for churches in Las Vegas, for the grace to deal with this, for the people affected in Las Vegas. In that part of the valley, people are more tourists than folks that live there because of where they are at. Pray for the grace of God and peace of Christ to abound. …

[and for Christians to] speak out against [this attack]. I don’t think we need to accept that this is just a way of life. This is not America. This does not happen in America. It is now, but it’s unique for it to happen. Speak out. I think another thing we need to do is pray both individually and together. We need to move now for individuals to be called upon to pray in public work setting. Pray together with friends, just like I’ve already done this morning after I heard about it and prayed about it personally. This coming Sunday, Wednesday, whenever the next time [church] meetings start happening, churches should set aside time to pray for situation. … This is remarkable, and so the church really needs to be active in this. The only thing the church can do now at this point is pray and take care of our own community. We need to be aware as churches all across America when we see troubled people, don’t walk away from them, walk to them, share love of Christ with them. If they need help, try to get help. It’s tragic that whatever happened in this man’s life, why did he come to that point? Did someone share the gospel with him, be the hands of feet and Christ to him? I don’t know, only God and heaven know that.

Here’s what other Christian leaders are saying:

Paula White, pastor of New Destiny Christian Center:

I am praying for every victim, family member, friend and the community of Las Vegas grieving from this horrific act of evil. May you feel the love of God and all of us standing with you in the midst of such pain and turmoil. Sadly, the Orlando community especially knows how to grieve with those who grieve and mourn with those mourn. You have our strongest support, Las Vegas—every ounce of love and care we have is yours.

Samuel Rodriguez, president of the National Hispanic Christian Leadership Conference:

This is not a time for politics, but for prayer. This is not a time for division, but for divine solicitation. We join our hearts, we all take our knees and we pray with all of our might for peace for the families of those whose lives have ended in this tragedy, and for all of those who are still fighting for their next breath. The NHCLC has summoned our entire network of thousands of churches to commit concerted time of prayer in light of this tragedy.

Franklin Graham, founder of Samaritan’s Purse:

Today is a day that will live long in American history as a day of tragedy, the largest mass shooting in America, ever. It is also a day where there are no Democrats or Republicans, there are no conservatives or liberals—we are all united as Americans. Together, we cry out to God in their time of need. This is a time of great national need, and I call on pastors and religious leaders in every corner of the nation to call together their communities in prayer and compassion.

Michael Brown, cultural commentator:

Rabbi Yechiel Eckstein, founder and president of the International Fellowship of Christians and Jews

As Israelis, we understand the pain of terror. Whether it’s the responsibility of a radical Islamist or a domestic terrorist, whether it’s done in the name of religion or not, all terrorism inflicts the same pain, suffering and unspeakable heartbreak. Today, the International Fellowship of Christians and Jews grieves with our beloved friends in the United States. We pray for those most closely impacted by the horrific attack in Las Vegas, and we ask God to speak words of comfort and resolve in the mind of every child so that instead of fearing the world, they will be inspired to bring peace to the world.

Matt and Lauri Crouch, TBN

Our hearts are heavy for all the victims and families of the horrific Las Vegas shooting. We believe in the power of agreement, so we invite you to agree with us in prayer that God’s hope and love will envelop the victims, their families, and our nation as we grieve through this tragedy. We pray it in Jesus’ Name.

Jack Graham, pastor of Prestonwood Baptist Church

It is a tragedy that we have awakened this morning to the news of the largest mass shooting in American history. In moments like this America prays, and America comes together to help. It’s the responsibility of our churches and pastors to lead those efforts until every single person finds the help they need in their time of need. May God bless our nation, and may He protect us from ourselves.

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