My Psalm 170 On Mass Murder
O Lord, Creator of the Universe
Giver of all good gifts
Righteous judge,
Holy Presence,
Merciful Savior,
Eternal Presence,
We come to You in supplication:
We implore Your blessing
To help us understand the depths of depravity
Human against humans
We suffer this day.
Be merciful to those who grieve
Whose hearts are heavy with sorrow
Too dreadful to bear
Too openly wounded
To soothe with platitudes
When we don’t know what to say.
Be with those who must solve this puzzle
So that it never occurs again.
Cleanse us from the scourge of hatred
Of distrust, of anger, of outrage, of beliefs
A mission disguised as a faith’s cause.
Forgive our depravity.
Hold the hands of law-enforcement personnel
Who are dealing with massacre’s scene
Refusing to be cleansed from their minds’ eyes.
Grant them peace as they attend their tasks.
Give succor to those who are the helpers:
The blood donors, the comforters, those who serve,
The granters of medical care,
The ones showing love and compassion.
Heighten our sensitivities to love as You love,
To show deference to those who differ from us
And to celebrate the lives lost too soon
In this horrific incident.
Help us to see the rainbow’s promise
As You meant it to be seen,
A symbol of Your covenant with mankind.
Bring us peace and a passion for life,
That we may live each day as Your gift. Amen.
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