For Whom Shall We Pray?

If you live in Nashville, you certainly heard about the terrible tragedy of the stabbing deaths of Clayton Beathard and Paul Trapeni III.  It was a heart-breaking tragedy that just did not need to be.  Prayers have been offered on behalf of each of these families by many they know and by those of us who have not and probably will not ever meet them.  Scenes of the joy in anticipation of their being home for Christmas break and their presence at family gatherings turned to the deep sadness of unopened gifts that will never be used, worn, nor eaten.  Holiday gatherings turned into funeral services. Lives ended before they really got started.  Dreams that will never be realized. It is too much to comprehend. And, so we pray comfort on them.

There is a third boy, for yes, 21 and 22 year olds are still boys, who will forever bear visible and invisible scars from that devastation.  He will close his eyes in an effort to sleep but find himself reliving the chaos and pain of that night, the loss of two friends.  It is all a nightmare. And, so we pray peace and rest for him.

Their families find peace in their faith.  They believe and trust that their sons are in their true home with their true Father.  It is the only way such grief can be borne, the only way they can put one foot in front of the other.  And, so we pray a constant awareness of God's presence and attention.

Michael Mosley is the boy who has been arrested for wielding the knife.  He spent his Christmas alone in a house in Cheatham County.  Whether drugs or alcohol or childhood abuse or whatever was the driving force that brought him to that place and those deeds may not matter.  There are consequences.  Perhaps, all involved might have been spared this tragedy if this boy had been held more accountable four years ago after he was involved in a similar incident, one that did not result in a death.  Perhaps, it would have made no difference at all.  I have self-proclaimed Jesus loving friends who were gleeful when this boy was arrested and made statements like, "I hope they burn his a$$" and "he's going to get his in prison."  Is this what we pray?  Perhaps, he and we would benefit more if we pray redemption, not retribution on this boy who has ruined his own life, taken the life of two, and wrecked countless others who love him and loved them.  Perhaps, by praying for him and his family as well as the Beathards and Trapenis, we grow a bit closer to the nature of that Jesus we so righteously proclaim.