Prayer, day 1746: On the news of the mass shooting at First Baptist Church in Sutherland Springs, Texas

O God, your embrace has brought us safely to this new day; 
may we rest ourselves within your mercy and love.

Forgive us, Lord, our headstrong and selfish ways 
that lead to violence, exploitation, and cruelty. 
Give us the wisdom and will 
to lead ourselves into righteousness and peace, 
as You have called us repeatedly 
through the lips of prophets, 
even at last by sending your only Son, 
whom we put on a cross, 
himself a victim of our violence and fear.

Yet love is stronger than death, 
and hope is stronger than fear, 
and still we rise, 
seeking to turn again and live by your will. 
Awaken our hearts to receive your light 
that we may instead dwell
in hope, charity, and wisdom. 
Give us the courage 
to stand up to the forces of fear and hatred, 
who profit from the bitter harvest they reap.
 
Comfort the mourning, O Holy God, 
and, as our shepherd, gather the lost in your arms. 
O God, our cry is to You and each other; 
Send your healing Spirit over us,
and all those for whom we pray.

Amen.
1602

(Photo of the exterior of First Baptist Church of Sutherland Springs, Texas, where a gunman opened fire on November 5, 2017, killing 26 and wounding another 20 yesterday during worship. The church has an average Sunday attendance of 50, which means that perhaps every single person in that congregation was either killed or wounded, including their guest pastor. According to CNN, "The massacre killed about 4% of the town's population. And no one at church was left unscathed, Wilson County Sheriff Joe Tackitt said. "I think nearly everyone had some type of injury," the sheriff told reporters Monday. Photo from NBC.)