A Collect for Gun Violence.

image by Chris Pretska

~ Originally Published October 28, 2018

A Collect for Gun Violence

O God, Our Heavenly Parent
who in your Holy Word
has commanded us
to put down all weapons,
to stop preparing for war,
& to reject a life of violence:

We confess that, as a nation,
we have made for ourselves
a false idol of guns,
& that by doing so we all
have blood-stained hands.

Have mercy, O God, have mercy

for many of us are penitent.

Have mercy, O God have mercy

for we are overwhelmed by grief
& terror.

Listen to our cries for help,
let your face shine upon us
Draw the broken-hearted close
to you
& save those who are crushed
in spirit.

For those murdered, give eternal rest.

For those injured, healing.

For those who mourn, comfort.

For those who have harmed others,
forgiveness
because they are also victims.

Bless us with Sister Wisdom
& guide us to always walk in the way of The Prince of Peace.

Bless us with bold leadership & never-ending commitment to do what is right, even when it is hard.

Give us strength & courage
to rise up against the evil forces
of hate, apathy, greed, corruption, corporate money, nationalism, domestic violence, intolerance, self-centeredness & fear.

Help us to finally live as one family,
in true safety & love.

And that by doing so, may we worthily magnify & glorify
your precious name,
Our Creator & Redeemer.

Amen.