You may want to designate your church as a place where people can come to pray and seek hope. Here is a sample prayer service you can adapt to fit the needs of your congregation and community.

Welcome and Scripture reading from Psalm 91 or Isaiah 40:21-31; Psalm 93.

Opening worship - Focus on the majesty and power of God (about 10-15 minutes).

Prayers of affirmation and thanks - Affirm who God is#the God who is greater than all the circumstances around us (Isaiah 40:12-15).

Break into groups of six to pray together, affirming who God is despite the circumstances surrounding us.

Worship song - Express trust in the Lord.

Prayers of trust (Habakkuk 3:17-19) - Reaffirm our trust in the Lord.

Pray in smaller groups of 3-4 and express our trust in the Lord, our need for trust, or our desire to learn how to trust in the Lord in these circumstances. (Give people the liberty to express themselves to the Lord with whatever is on their hearts at the time, knowing that some may not yet know the Lord. Affirm that they can express all their fears, anger, hurt or other emotions to God.)

Worship song - Focus on personal reflection/repentance.

Prayer of repentance (Psalm 51) - Focus on our own need to make sure our lives are right before God who is so Holy:

• Give time for personal reflection.
• Give time for small group prayers of repentance on behalf of our society, church, etc.

Worship song - Focus on personal reflection/repentance.

Prayers of intercession - Pray for the immediate needs we face (depending on the circumstances):

• Prayers for leadership - Wisdom for the President and his advisors.
• Prayers for protection for our armed forces.
• Prayers for the church (your church) to respond in love and mercy to those in need.