As with most of America, we are stunned and shocked by the loss of life and injuries on Friday, May 31, within our diocese in Virginia Beach. Though as people of faith we understand the fragility of human life, this event of suffering has been particularly tragic. The evil of this latest episode of gun violence is touching the lives of family members, friends, neighbors and members of our congregations.

 

For those of you who are preparing to lead worship this weekend on the 7th Sunday of Easter, I encourage you to feel free to use this prayer. If you desire to be creative, you may want to use it as a concluding prayer after a litany. As another option you may want to go to the website of the Episcopal Bishops Against Gun Violence for the liturgical resources that are available ( www.bishopsagainstgunviolence.org).  

 

God bless you and your ministry,

+Jay Magness

 

 

A prayer for those who lost their lives or were injured in Virginia Beach  

 

O God of mercy, you sustain us with your grace as we live in a world which seems to abound in violence and hatred. Today our hearts are particularly heavy as we mourn the loss of life in Virginia Beach. We remember before you those whose lives were taken from them, those who have been injured and all who grieve. Thank you for the valiant and heroic intervention of all who acted to save the lives of the vulnerable. We pray, even plead, with you to deliver us from the temptation for vengeance, and be reminded that our Lord calls us to love our neighbors as ourselves. Give us the courageous and faithful resolve to bring about justice for all. Guide our hearts and minds with the ultimate vision of your peaceful kingdom, that we never lose sight of the day when we all may stand before you as true brothers and sisters. AMEN.