For Those Affected by Tragedy

Gracious and loving God,
You watch the ways of all of us
and the utter destruction of which our hands are capable.
We implore you to weave goodness and grace
in the lives of those destroyed by senseless violence.
Surround those whose lives are shattered
with a sense of your present love.
Wrap them in the worn quilt of your compassion.
Though they are lost in grief,
May they find you and be comforted.

Amen

(a prayer by Kimberly Knight, based loosely on a prayer in the UCC book of worship; by way of Rachel Held Evans. Photo copyright Merete Veian)