A Liturgy from Praying the News
After an Act of Violence
“My soul is bereft of peace;I have forgotten what happiness is;so I say, ‘My endurance has perished;so has my hope from the LORD.’Remember my affliction and my wanderings,the wormwood and the gall!My soul continually remembers itand is bowed down within me.But this I call to mind,and therefore I have hope:The steadfast love of the LORD never ceases;his mercies never come to an end;they are new every morning;great is your faithfulness.‘The LORD is my portion,’ says my soul,‘therefore I will hope in him.’”
Lamentations 3:17–24 (ESV)
God of Mercy, come near.Come near to the victims’ loved ones as their world rips apart.Come near to the community that is shaken and unsteadied,sickened and gripped by fear.Come near to us as this act of violenceimplodes any sense of order and security,upends any semblance of peace.
We cannot make sense of this shattering.We can’t face this deep darkness, can’t carry this burden,then just go about the day.We need your light.We seek your face.
God Who Stoops Down,you sent your Son to confront the powers of darknessto disarm, dethrone, and banish them.He entered a violent worldand suffered at the hands of violent mento buy a costly redemption.You have come near to us in Jesus,shining your piercing, cleansing light in bitter darkness.We cling to you.Bring your justice and restoration and hope.
Amen
100+ prayers for the headlines
Praying the News
This liturgy is one of many. Through Scripture, stained-glass illustrations, and psalmic prayers, Steph Juliot helps you carry the news to the Lord instead of carrying it alone.
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