June 18, 2015

Prayer for Charleston

Victoria G. Curtiss, Associate Pastor

Creator of us all, we know you cherish each of your precious children. 
We lament the deaths of nine of our Christian brothers and sisters
in Charleston, South Carolina. 
We are weighed down with grief and anger
over continued racial unrest and violence in our country. 
We turn to you who cries with us
over any alienation that exists among your people.

We pray for the families, friends, and congregation
of Emanuel African Methodist Episcopal Church. 
Strengthen them in this tragic loss with your comforting presence.
Sustain their trust and hope in you, and bind them together in love.

We pray for the one who did the killing,
that he be brought to justice and his heart be broken and contrite. 

We pray for us all, that you would grant us
courage and commitment to work for reconciliation, justice,
respect, and compassion among all peoples. 
Wash away all fear and hatred. 
Strengthen us to lay down our weapons and embrace one another. 
In the Name of the Prince of Peace. Amen.