You may be scared to come to church next week. You may be angry that this could happen. You may be sad for the families and friends in that community. You may be worried about safety. I understand.

Here’s an excellent Lutheran article responding to the Texas shooting. “When The Saints Of First Baptist Church Were Murdered, God Was Answering Their Prayers.”

Memorized Scripture passages can also be useful in times of trouble. Perhaps you would like to pick one of these and repeat it often throughout the day when you need the strength and reminder of Jesus’ presence.

You might use one of these passages for your table prayer this week, or as a bed-time prayer, or in a text message to family or friends, or as a note in a school book or school bag.

• “God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in trouble. Therefore we will not fear, though the earth give way and the mountains fall into the heart of the sea” (Psalm 46:1–2).
• “The LORD Almighty is with us; the God of Jacob is our fortress” (Psalm 46:11).
• “For I am the LORD, your God, who takes hold of your right hand and says to you, Do not fear; I will help you” (Isaiah 41:13).
• “For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life” (John 3:16).
• “I give them eternal life, and they shall never perish; no one can snatch them out of my hand” (John 10:28).