A prayer for today……

Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called children of God.
Blessed are those who are persecuted for righteousness’ sake,
for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.

God of consolation, in a moment of pain, in a time of confusion,
when several innocent people have been killed,
we entrust those who have died to your mercy
and we ask you to bring comfort to all affected by this cruel act.

May people of every belief reject the way of senseless violence,
but look upon all humanity as brothers and sisters and not as enemies.

Inspire us to work towards the ending of violence,
to respond to evil with good.
Restore in us all a desire for true peace.

O LORD, lift up your countenance upon us, and give us peace.

May those who have died rest in peace.