Almighty God, we come to you acknowledging our shock and loss
This tragedy stirs in us tears, fears, confusion, bewilderment and outrage

We remember past wounds, violence and heartache

Help us lift our first feelings of fear, despair and rage to You

Slow our tongues, quicken our minds, awake our better selves

Guide us along your path of justice, peace and mercy

God of Healing, bring comfort to those mourning

Strengthen the injured: heal their bodies, minds and souls

Be with those traumatized by this day and past injuries, stresses and losses

Assist each hand working to heal our injured brothers and sisters

Bring courage, wisdom and peace to our police, fire, rescue, military and civil leaders

Free us from acrimony, rashness, meanness, and division.

Give us moral courage, patience for justice, and the strength to live unbound by fear

Help us stand together

Giver of Life, we do not grasp why anyone despises your gift of life

We cannot comprehend any who hope to birth fear in others

We churn in anger or bend in sadness for such senseless evil

We reject such godless inhumanity that despises your good gift of life

God of Wisdom, help us remember:

only goodness can ever conquer evil

only light ends night

hate births hate and vengeance regurgitates revenge

You forgive and judge

Yet, you call us to defend the orphan and widow and to take up the cause of the oppressed

Give us wisdom, compassion and courage

Free us from all sin, ignorance and rashness that obscures your path forward

Forgive us from all the ways we fail to love you and neighbor

Fit us for the demanding work of love and justice

Work in us that your kingdom might come, and your will be done on earth as in heaven.

Amen.