Prayers from the Pastoral Development Department

PRAYERS FROM THE PASTORAL DEVELOPMENT DEPARTMENT

for Olivia Pratt-Korbel

God of compassion, we pray for Olivia, murdered at her home, and all those who have died on the streets of our city. We commit to your loving care her and those who have died in similar incidents, confident that you will receive their souls into the mercy of your love. Comfort their loved ones who are heartbroken, and all those who mourn the lost lives. Enable them to meet the lonely and painful days ahead in the strength of your love and mutual support. Give courage, compassion and wisdom to the police, and soften the hearts and steady the minds of those who would do violence to others. May hate be replaced with love, violence with peace and darkness with your light. Let the love that you have made known to us lead us to create a safer city and protected streets for all to walk upon in peace. Amen.

for those in conflict zones

O God, who has made off one blood all the nations of the earth, mercifully hear our prayers, and remove from us the menace of war. Guide the rulers of the nations and stay the hands of all those perpetrating violence. Enable those striving for justice to renew in us knowledge of our shared humanity and bind the nations in new ties of friendship and compassion. Hasten the time when the kingdoms of this world shall be joined together in the peace and righteousness. Amen.

Prayer