A Prayer following today’s tragic events

A Prayer

Following today’s tragic events in Manchester, the URC offers the following prayer for use in personal and corporate worship.  It may be reproduced freely.

With our Jewish sisters and brothers, we grieve, mourn, and pray,
bringing to the Eternal One, our pain and protest, our tears and tenderness, our fears and failures.

O Most High,
we lift to You all who live in fright and anger,
especially today the Jewish communities of Manchester;
bring peace and security,
tenderness – even in the face of tragedy,
and balm for the affliction of our souls.

With those praying and fasting, Risen Lord,
we long for redemption from hatred and terror.
We yearn for a just and equal world where all are safe,
whether in the street, at work, or at worship 
in synagogue, mosque, temple, gurdwara, or church.

Guide with Your wisdom, Holy Spirit,
the police and security services as they investigate,
and civic and religious leaders as they work for calm, 
that none may exploit devastation to bring division,
so that believer and non believer alike
may work together for the good of all.

Finally, Eternal God,
we remember before You those murdered today,
and their family, friends, and communities,
may your perpetual light shine upon them, and give them peace
as we seek to build a better world.  Amen. 

With every good wish

Andy

The Rev’d Andy Braunston
Minister for Digital Worship