A Liturgy from Praying the News
After a Mass Shooting
“The LORD of hosts… will swallow up on this mountainthe covering that is cast over all peoples,the veil that is spread over all nations.He will swallow up death forever;and the Lord God will wipe away tears from all faces,and the reproach of his people he will take away from all the earth,for the Lord has spoken.”
Isaiah 25:6–8 (ESV)
Mighty God,have mercy on us.We are waiting for you to banish the darkness,waiting for you to wipe away tears,waiting for you to swallow up death forever.Come quickly, Lord Jesus!
Immanuel, draw near to and comfort those who are mourning.Heal the grieving and terrorized,giving them and their loved ones hopefor restoration and renewal.Restore and renew the community shaken by this violence;shine cleansing light into deep darkness.
Everlasting Father,deliver us in your mercy from those who plan evil.Save the vulnerable from the strong who plot harm.
Wonderful Counselor,give officials clarity and courageto respond to hatred with goodwill and prudence.Use them to bring justice,establish righteousness,serve their constituents,and protect their communities.
Prince of Peace,quiet our anxious fear as we process this tragedy.As we’re confronted with human brokenness and frailty,awaken our world to our need for a Saviorwho will defeat the darknessand swallow up death forever.Hasten the coming of his kingdom,where hatreds cease and tears are no more.
Amen
Praying the News
Liturgies for reading the headlines.
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