A Litany after Violence
Let us remember all who have been harmed by violence.
We acknowledge the strength of those who survived and of those still struggling to heal.
For their sake and for ours, we commit ourselves to building each other up and to healing together.
Let us remember the families and loved ones of those who have died in violent crimes.
We acknowledge their pain and their deep grief.
They too are part of our community and need our love and help towards healing.
Let us remember the perpetrators, and the families of those who commit violent crimes.
We acknowledge that their lives too are devastated and their hopes dashed.
For their sake, and for ours, we remember that pain goes out in many directions from each act of violence.
We will stand up to violence.
We stand together expressing our unity,
Our connection to each other and to God,
Our hope for healing and for transformation.
Let the Spirit of our Creator move through us.
Help us to transform and heal our communities,
And let us begin by transforming ourselves.
We go in peace and with hope. Amen.
In our anxiety, fear and uncertainty, when hearts are heavy with the load we bear, and there is no one to turn toward but you; yours is the peace that calms, the peace that comforts, the peace that gives us strength to carry on. Yours is the voice we long to hear, the persistent whisper in our ear, ‘Be still, and know that I am God’. Yours is the presence in the dark that banishes our fears. Yours is the hand that guides, the footprints in which we walk. In our anxiety, fear and uncertainty in confidence we turn to you. Amen.