Christian bookstore chains and authors are urging prayer after the Boston Marathon bombing. Two bombs ripped through the crowd at the finish line of the world's oldest annual marathon Monday, April 15, killing three people, maiming others and injuring more than 100 in what a White House official said would be treated as an "act of terror."

"If you woke up this morning wondering what you can do for the people of Boston or those in Iran that were hit by a devastating earthquake and others affected by various tragedies across the globe, there is always one answer," said in a post today on Mardel Christian & Education's Facebook page. "Prayer. It changes everything! Pass it on."

A post on Berean Christian Stores' Facebook page cited Matt. 18:19-20, which says, "Again I say to you that if two of you agree on earth concerning anything that they ask, it will be done for them by My Father in heaven. For where two or three are gathered together in My name, I am there in the midst of them."

"Our thoughts and prayers are with those who were injured during the explosion at the Boston Marathon," Berean said. "May God be with you."

Greg Laurie, pastor of Harvest Christian Fellowship in Riverside, Calif., and author of Lost Boy (Regal Books), also encouraged intercession through his Facebook page.

"Pray that God comforts those who are mourning and extends His healing hand to those who are suffering," he wrote. "Also pray for wisdom for law enforcement as they try to find out who is responsible for this horrific attack and that justice will be meted out. Finally, pray that people in their hour of need will turn to Christ who can give them hope in a hopeless world."

Cindy Jacobs, author of Deliver Us From Evil (Regal) and Possessing the Gates of the Enemy (Chosen/Baker Publishing Group), said the worst bombing on U.S. soil since the Sept. 11, 2001 terrorist attacks "displays the reality that we are a targeted nation, both physically and spiritually."

"Pray for America," she said. "Ask the Lord for mercy on our nation and for Him to guard our nation with His peace and security. Declare that the hand of the enemy cannot touch this land! (Psalm 91)."

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