Almighty Father,

I am holding in my heart both the beauty and brokenness of Butler.

There is much, O God, to be grateful for in terms of Butler’s beauty. I am celebrating families that are sacrificing for a better future. For marriages that are holding onto their covenantal promises to love one another in both good and bad times. For schools that are doing their very best to protect and nurture our children. For churches that are finding ways to love God and neighbor more deeply.

And yet God, my heart breaks over our city’s brokenness. I am grieving for families that are torn apart by the monster of drug addiction. For hurting people who are walking alone. For the fear that drives us to reduce people to positions we agree and disagree with.

I am hurting for people who are facing the relentless pressure of underemployment and the surmounting cost of medical bills. I am grieving for children and the elderly who wonder if they matter at all.

If my heart, O God, is able to hold both the beauty and brokenness of Butler, how much more your heart.

So, Heavenly Father, draw near. Lord Jesus, have mercy. And come, Holy Spirit. May your church arise and you glorified!

Help us to grieve with those who grieve. Help us to see all the praiseworthy things around us. Give us the humility and courage to see as you see, to feel as you feel, and to join you in what you are doing in Butler for the sake of the gospel.

In the matchless name of Jesus Christ, our Lord we pray. Amen.

Religious and civic leaders composed original prayers for Seek God for Butler, a recently published booklet of prayers focused on our community’s spiritual concerns. The Butler Eagle publishes a prayer from the booklet every Monday.