BLESSED ARE THOSE WHO MOURN

'Blessed are those who mourn, for they will be comforted' Matthew 5:4

As I write, the first funerals in L'Aquila, Italy, are being planned, the city recovering from the appalling earthquake which ripped through it's buildings leaving 260 dead. How is it, that is Jesus' eye's those who mourn are 'blessed'. It's hard to find any blessings in what's happened over these past few days.

But maybe we have a part to play here ... through our prayers, can the people of L'Aquila find some level of comfort ?

Many have died, maybe more still to be found. Pray for those mourning loved one's who have died and those awaiting news of others missing.
28,000 people have been made homeless in the area. Pray for humanitarian agencies working to provide relief, pray for peace and safety in the camps. Pray for those who've been unable to find shelter and are still sleeping on the streets. Overnight temperatures are close to freezing.
Pray for those experiencing after-shocks, often quite big. Imagine the fear these aftershocks much provoke. Pray for peace in the earth and in natural events taking place.

Maybe one of the things that has made this event difficult to come to terms with is that it has taken place in mainland Europe. We shouldn't be surprised.

In the light of last week's G20 though it has reminded me once again of the need for us to be prepared to help people in other nations - the need to protect Disaster Relief funds in our own Overseas Development project.

Lets pray for ministers in the UK and Europe as we look to stand with Italy and pray for wisdom about how we balance current economic forces with the need for us to 'comfort' those who 'mourn'.

Andy Freeman

Andy Freeman is a web editor for CSM. He lives in Reading, is married to Karen and has five children. For his day job, Andy works for the 24-7 Prayer Movement.

Andy Freeman, 08/04/2009