Our Father in Heaven, this past week has been especially tough on peacemakers across America. Once again, our hearts are broken and our spirits weak as we mourn with the men and women of the Clark County Sheriff's Department in the on-duty murder of Deputy Matthew Yates. O’ Lord, there are times when we don’t know how to pray to You for the grief is so great. Nonetheless Lord, we know You know the hearts of those within the law enforcement family and hear our groans of pain at the loss of one of Your servant peacemakers. So, Lord, we lift up the men and women of the Clark County Sheriff's Department before your Throne of Grace and ask for Your mercies to touch their hearts with Your hands of loving kindness. May Your grace uphold those whose hearts are broken at the loss of a dear friend and co-worker. We are thankful the suspect is no longer a threat. O’ Lord, may Your mercies and amazing grace especially settle upon the family of Deputy Yates who are in shock and dismay over this senseless loss. May they intimately sense Your presence around them at all times knowing that it is You who will be carrying them through this very difficult time of loss. We thank You, Lord, that Your Word clearly says that the law enforcement officer does not carry his sword (or firearm) in vain. As we know this traumatic event has created great emotional trauma in the hearts of many law enforcement officers involved, we ask for Your mercies and comfort to be poured out upon them and may You preserve their hearts and minds from enduring any emotional trauma. May Your word as follow bring comfort and peace to those in need, “Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of mercies and God of all comfort, who comforts us in all our affliction, so that we may be able to comfort those who are in any affliction, with the comfort with which we ourselves are comforted by God.” And, “When the righteous cry for help, the LORD hears and delivers them out of all their troubles. The LORD is near to the brokenhearted and saves the crushed in spirit. Many are the afflictions of the righteous, but the LORD delivers him out of them all. He keeps all his bones; not one of them is broken.” Finally, grant Your grace and mercy to the many first responders, medics and doctors who were involved in the life-saving efforts and treatment of Deputy Yates. And in the coming days as preparations will be made to say farewell to Deputy Yates, may many law enforcement officers be drawn close to You where they may examine their hearts and reveal their need for a personal relationship with You Lord, our Forgiver and Savior. Grant hope and comfort in the hearts of those grieving ever so greatly. Wrap your Arms around every member of the Clark County Sheriff's Department and allied law enforcement agencies and carry them through difficult days ahead. May you fill the investigators with wisdom as they piece together the details of this horrific incident. Finally, may many know Your love personally and receive You as their Savior and Friend, in the name of Jesus Christ we pray, Amen.

News link:
https://www.wlwt.com/article/clark-county-ohio-deputy-killed-matthew-yates-mobile-home/40705711#