Dear brothers and sisters of Resurrection Church, I ask your prayers for the victims, their families and this nation as we face yet another senseless shooting of human beings. Regardless of our views on anyone's choices for sexual orientation, religious faith, or any other status in life, we must condemn the violence and 
hatred.
Our hearts are broken at the tragic loss of life in Orlando yesterday (June 12th). Fifty sons and daughter, brothers and sisters, husbands and wives, friends and family were killed by a heart set upon hate. More than fifty more are injured. There is no making sense of such disregard for the sanctity of life. What if we all took time to light candles, kneel and pray for peace in our hearts and in our homes and in our world? How would that make a difference? At times such as these we remember those who have died and those who love them. We pray for healing for the sick. Rather than standing in judgment, we recognize our own need for God's mercy and grace. We pray for wise and courageous leadership; we pray for our country to come together in our grief.
"O God, your unfailing providence sustains the world we live in and the life we live: Watch over those, both night and day, who work while others sleep, and grant that we may never forget that our common life depends upon each other's toil; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen."
"Keep watch, dear Lord, with those who work, or watch, or weep this night, and give your angels charge over those who sleep. Tend the sick, Lord Christ; give rest to the weary, bless the dying, soothe the suffering, pity the afflicted, shield the joyous; and all for your love's sake." Amen.
Lord have mercy on us all.
