We live in a broken world. And today, this seems truer than ever before.

After my wife and I finish dinner each night, we often update each other on the latest news stories. We’ve grown accustomed to a steady flow of familiar articles; we can almost fill in the blanks on the headlines. Apolitician took a stance on a controversial topic. A celebrity made a mistake she won’t soon forget.

But the latest headlines have shaken our world. Shootings, terrorist attacks, global crises—each headline seems more heartbreaking than the one before it. Immediately, we find ourselves asking an all-too-common list of questions. How many dead? How many wounded? Who’s to blame?

In these situations, we can’t stop thinking about lives that have been broken and families that have been torn apart. We feel angry, anxious and heartbroken. And we wonder when—if ever—these acts of violence will cease.

If the world has broken your heart today and you don’t know how to respond, here are four Scripture-based prayers to help you reach out to God with your pain and fear. 

1. Lord, help me to grieve with those who are suffering.
   Be happy with those who are happy, weep with those who weep.– Romans 12:15 (GNTD)
2. Lord, comfort those who have experienced loss.
   He heals the broken-hearted and bandages their wounds.– Psalm 147:3 (GNTD)
3. Lord, give me peace when I am afraid.
   Do not be afraid—I am with you! I am your God—let nothing terrify you! I will make you strong and help you; I will protect you and save you.– Isaiah 41:10 (GNTD)
4. Lord, even in the midst of tragedy, remind me that you are in control.
   O Lord God of our ancestors, you rule in heaven over all the nations of the world. You are powerful and mighty, and no one can oppose you. You are our God. - 2 Chronicles 6b-7a (GNTD)