Our hearts are overwhelmed this morning as we woke to the news of another act of terror. Another mass attack. Another senseless taking of lives. How can it be?
Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.
How could this happen to the innocent again? How could this happen in an airport? How could this happen in a subway? How?
Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.
Our minds go to those who lost a daughter, a son, a brother, a sister, a friend, a teacher, a lover, a neighbor and who are now thinking of funerals they never thought they'd plan.
Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.
Our minds go in anger to those who take credit for these acts-- those who believe their hate can grant them achievement and a voice. How can this evil be stopped?
Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.
We ask for peace and wisdom to all of those who will support, treat, help and love on those now in physical, emotional and spiritual pain and for the long days to come.
Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.
For all of us with Brussels on our minds today feeling just less and less secure. Wondering what can make us feel safe again?
Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.
We worry, God, about those who will use this crisis to push their own political agendas rather than love. We worry the more events like this keep happening the more calloused we will be!
Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.
Most of all, God, grow our compassion muscles so that we live less in isolation and more in abiding communion with You and one another.
Lord, in mercy hear our prayer.
Do what you can only do O God. Come close. Bring your Spirit. Teach us again how to be human beings that love each other hand in hand.
AMEN
