Hostage Prayer

Lord, have mercy.
Christ, have mercy.
Lord, have mercy.

Have mercy, O Lord, on the family and friends
of the South Korean hostage
who was killed by the Taliban just recently.

Give wisdom, Lord, to those confronted with the choice
of inviting more kidnapping by paying ransom money to evil people
or inviting more killing by not paying ransom.

Give comfort, Lord, to those who mourn.
Mete justice to those who do such evil things.
Save the innocent.
Punish the guilty.

Lord, have mercy.
Christ, have mercy.
Lord, have mercy.