On Sunday, October 1, a gunman opened fire on a huge outdoor concert in Las Vegas, Nevada. Thousands fled, hundreds were injured, and dozens were killed—making this the deadliest mass shooting in U.S. history.

In the wake of this tragic event, we unite in prayer to ask God for comfort and peace.

“Sunday night was horrific,” says American Bible Society President and CEO Roy Peterson. “We live in a broken world, and it grieves me to see such cruelty. In these times of sadness and uncertainty, I encourage us all to remember that God’s Word can be a great comfort and help in times of great need.”

It can be tempting to give in to fear. However, Scripture promises us that Jesus is near us and restores us when we are crushed in spirit (Psalm 34:18).

“When confronted with great sorrow, I ask myself: Where is Jesus?,” says Peterson. “I see Jesus in the love of people helping people, in the courageous actions of first responders, in those who are rushing to medical centers to donate blood, and in the thousands of us who are praying for God’s light and love to shine through this cloud of sadness.”

Together, Let Us Pray for Peace for Las Vegas

Our nation is hurting. As we grieve those who were lost in this tragedy, let’s also pray for their friends and family members. Let us honor the memory of the victims in Los Vegas by choosing not to live in fear but in resilient faith. Let us pray:

Lord, we ask for your peace to reign in our nation. We pray for a great outpouring of love to be shown to those who were injured at the concert in Las Vegas and to the families of those who lost their lives. We ask for you to be with us in our sadness and to remind us of the hope we have in you.

As you pray, take time to read over Psalm 34, which reminds us that God cares for us and rescues us from fear.

Psalm 34:4–8 (GNTD)

I prayed to the Lord, and he answered me;
he freed me from all my fears.
The oppressed look to him and are glad;
they will never be disappointed.
The helpless call to him, and he answers;
he saves them from all their troubles.
His angel guards those who honor the Lord
and rescues them from danger.
Find out for yourself how good the Lord is.
Happy are those who find safety with him.