A Prayer for the Gaudreau Family

Dear Father,

Oh the pain that our sinful and rebellious hearts cause others! You created a world for us to enjoy perfect peace and joy without any suffering whatsoever. The only thing You asked of us was to obey Your commands. Your commands are not burdensome. No, the obedience of Your commands are a recipe for a good life not just for ourselves but also for our family, friends, and communities.

For example, Your Word says:

Woe to those who rise early in the morning to run after their drinks, who stay up late at night till they are inflamed with wine. Isaiah 5:11

The acts of the flesh are obvious: sexual immorality, impurity and debauchery; idolatry and witchcraft; hatred, discord, jealousy, fits of rage, selfish ambition, dissensions, factions and envy; drunkenness, orgies, and the like. I warn you, as I did before, that those who live like this will not inherit the kingdom of God. Galatians 5:19-21

Do not get drunk on wine, which leads to debauchery. Instead, be filled with the Spirit. Ephesians 5:18

The Gaudreau family was preparing for the joyous wedding of Katie Gaudreau this weekend. She was no doubt delighted that her brothers Johnny and Matthew were going to serve as groomsmen in her bridal party. However, a drunk driver crushed the Gaudreau family when he struck and killed Johnny and Matthew as they rode bikes on a highway within 48 hours of the ceremony.

One man’s disobedience of Your commands not to be drunk has caused incredible grief:

• Meredith has lost her dear husband Johnny and their two children are now without a father.
• Matthew’s wife Madeline is now a widow.
• Katie lost her two brothers and her dreams of a beautiful wedding day are forever crushed.
• The parents have lost two sons.
• Friends and relatives of the family will grieve for a long time.
• The Columbus Blue Jackets fan base is now grieving the loss of a popular hockey player.

Father, please pour out Your mercy and grace into the hearts of all who mourn and grieve. Carry them through the services and that oh so painful period of adjustment to life without the boys. Father, bless the children who have lost their father before they really got to know them. Be their Father and guide their every step, providing for them what they need and protecting them from harm. Father, hold Meredith, Madeline, and Katie in the palm of Your hands, drying their tears and leading them to healing. Father, please also use the public nature of this tragedy to give thousands of people who drink with abandon a sober heart to know it is time to turn away from alcohol before they kill someone on the road.

Father, most importantly, use this tragedy to bring people to faith in Jesus Christ. Bring Your church into this situation and use Your people to comfort this family. Write amazing testimonies in the lives of the wounded that not only bring You glory but also touch many lives for Christ.

Amen.