In the past few days, our hearts have been shattered by news of multiple shootings across cities in the United States. Families are grieving, communities are reeling, and for many of us, the weight of it all feels overwhelming. In moments like these, when fear is loud and grief sets in, it can be hard to find the words to pray. If you’re struggling to know what to say or where to begin, you’re not alone. Join us as we lift up every heartbroken soul and every city affected, trusting God to meet us in the heaviness with His comfort and peace.
Harvey, Illinois — Mass Shooting and Retaliatory Attack
On a Saturday night in Harvey, Illinois, two individuals opened fire at a house party on the 14400 block of Des Plaines Street, wounded seven people—including a 4-year-old boy.
According to The Chicago Sun Times, one of the shooters was killed by a legally armed partygoer, and the other was shot, hospitalized, and arrested.
“I am heartbroken and outraged by the senseless acts of violence that took place in our community this weekend,” Cook County Commissioner Kisha McCaskill said in a statement. “To the residents of Harvey, we must come together. Violence cannot and will not define who we are.”
Early Sunday morning, police found a man shot dead multiple times in a van on Calumet Boulevard, which they described as a “retaliatory act.”
Prayer for Harvey
Father, our hearts ache for the lives shattered by this violence in Harvey. A joyful night turned tragic, and now a community grieves, especially for the innocent child and others caught in the crossfire. Lord, bring healing to the wounded, comfort to the traumatized, and strength to the families left reeling. We lift up the city of Harvey and ask for Your protection, Your justice, and Your peace to reign where fear has crept in. May neighbors draw together in unity, not fear. Help them see that violence does not have the final word, but You do. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
Photo Credit: ©Getty Images/Kali9
Chicago, Illinois — Humboldt Park Shooting
Meanwhile, another shooting took place at Humboldt Park in Chicago, Illinois, in which a man allegedly shot several people following a dispute. One 38-year-old man was killed after he was shot multiple times, while a 28-year-old man and a 44-year-old woman were injured.
Prayer for Chicago
Father, what sad news to hear that these people suffered such a terrible experience while at this party, as well as in this park. I pray for your peace and comfort for all the victims involved. May they find rest in You at this time. In Jesus‘ name. Amen.
Photo Credit: ©Getty Images/Scott Olson/Staff
Seattle, Washington — Shooting Near Church Event
A shooting near a church event near Seattle, Washington, last Thursday evening left a 28-year-old male attendee dead, Church Leaders reported. The victim, whose name has not been released, was killed after attending a young adult dinner at Pursuit Church at the University of Washington. He leaves behind a wife and child, who were also in attendance at the event with him.
“While the young adults were gathered for a ministry function, there was a shooting. And a young man who has a wife and a child was tragically killed,” Russell Johnson, the pastor of Pursuit Church, said in a post on social media. “The people who were involved in this shooting have fled. Police are looking for the perpetrators now.”
Authorities believe that the shooting was intentional, and the assailant remains at large after fleeing the scene in a white Hyundai Elantra with black wheels and a broken front passenger window.
Prayer for Seattle
Lord, we pray for comfort and peace for this church at this time following this horrendous tragedy. We especially pray for the wife and child of this young man who was killed, and that the assailant will be caught soon and brought to justice. In Jesus‘ name. Amen.
Photo Credit: ©Getty Images/JASON REDMOND/Contributor
Anaconda, Montana — Bar Shooting
A manhunt is underway after former Army and National Guard veteran Michael Paul Brown opened fire at The Owl Bar in Anaconda on Friday morning, Fox News reported. At least four residents were killed, including Daniel Edwin Baillie, 59; Nancy Lauretta Kelley, 64; David Allen Leach,70; and Tony Wayne Palm,74.
According to authorities, Brown is believed to be armed and dangerous and remains at large as of Monday. He served as an armor crewman in the Army from January 2001 to May 2005 and in the National Guard from April 2006 to March 2008. Brown was also deployed to Iraq from February 2004 to March 2005 and left the service with the rank of sergeant.
From April 2006 to March 2009, he served as an armor crewman in the Montana National Guard.
Prayer for Montana
Heavenly Father, we pray that the police catch this man as soon as possible before any potential harm to innocent lives is lost. We also pray for the family, friends, and loved ones who lost these individuals killed in this shooting. Cover them in Your peace and comfort right now. In Jesus‘ name. Amen.
Photo Credit: ©YouTube Screen Grab/LiveNOW from FOX
Originally published August 04, 2025.
