Holy One,
Our thoughts and prayers are with the families and friends of those who have experienced senseless gun violence in their lives and communities.*
We recognize, however, that this isn’t enough.
Mobilize us, God.
We do not want to be desensitized to violence.
Stir something deep within that empowers us to stand up to violence of all kinds but most especially to the violence that hurts all of God's children.
Give us words to speak truth to power.
Show us how to use our hands, our feet, and our hearts because we know that you require more from us in these times.
Provide us with the strength only you can provide as we seek to protect all of your children.
We pray for the healing of those who are in critical condition, for the parents and families who are grieving, and for our communities that have suffered a great loss.
Amen
This prayer was written by Aimee Cox, director of children's ministry at Christ United Methodist Church, and was published on May 24, 2022, by United Methodist Communications. The contact is Joe Iovino.
*This prayer originally was written in response to the May 24, 2022, gun violence in Uvalde, Texas, that killed children and teachers at an elementary school.
