Posted on 04/16/2007 12:39:57 PM PDT by Knitting A Conundrum
Lord, on this day when so many people are affected by the loss of life, the loss of their loved ones, the vision of the evil that men do, we ask you for your mercy. Bring your healing to those who have been so harmed by this, students, teachers, parents, friends, loved ones, law enforcement officers, and all who are touched by this tragedy.
Teach us Lord, to love, to forgive, and to walk in your light, and when we fail, be with us, and pick us up out of the mire we slip into, and bring those so hurt into your peace.
In the name of Jesus, I pray, Amen.
Mourning and weeping in this valley of tears.
In the name of Jesus, I pray, Amen.
Amen. Thank you both.
Here are the set of prayers offered in memory of those killed yesterday:
PRAYER IN SORROW
God of all consolation,
in your unending love and mercy for us,
you turn the darkness of death into the dawn of new life.
Show compassion to your people in sorrow.
Be our refuge and our strength to lift us
from the darkness of this grief
to peace and joy in your presence.
We ask this through Christ, our Lord.Amen
THE DIVINE SHEPHERD
PSALM 23
The Lord is my Shepherd,
I shall not want.
He makes me lie down in green pastures;
He leads me beside still waters;
He restores my soul.
He leads me in right paths
For His Name’s sake.
Even though I walk through the darkest valley,
I fear no evil;
For you are with me;
Your rod and Your staff - they comfort me.
You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies,
You anoint my head with oil;
My cup overflows.
Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me
All the days of my life.
And I shall dwell in the house of the Lord
My whole life long.
[Psalm 23:1-6; NRSV]
A Moment Of Silent Prayer/Eternel Rest
PRAYER FOR THE DEAD # 3
Eternal rest, grant unto them, O Lord,
and let perpetual light shine upon them.
May the souls of the faithful departed
through the mercy of God rest in peace.
Amen.
THE LITANY OF
THE GOOD SHEPHERD
(For private use only.)
God the Father of the Lamb,
have mercy on us.
God the Son, Sacrificial Lamb,
have mercy on us.
God the Holy Spirit, Life of the Lamb,
have mercy on us.
O Good Jesus, Shepherd of the just,
hear us.
Vigilant Finder of lost sheep,
guide us.
Fervent Hope of the fallen lamb,
guide us.
Constant Gatherer of a broken flock,
guide us.
O Good Shepherd,
hear Thy sheep.
Purest shelter of the yearning heart,
feed us.
Perpetual Feast of the hungry soul,
feed us.
Lasting Bread of perfect Life,
feed us.
O Good Shepherd,
hear Thy sheep.
Patient Tamer of rebellious wills,
shear us.
Loyal Teacher of all kind commands,
shear us.
Tender Purger of all blemish of sin,
shear us.
O Good Shepherd,
hear Thy sheep.
From the lures of false shepherds hiding in Thy guise,
protect us.
From mirages of richer fields, conquering our minds,
protect us.
From diseases of the soul, separating us from Thy flock,
protect us.
O Good Shepherd, at once the Guard and Lamb,
Who knows well the sheep He leads,
Guide us, feed us, shear us,
and bid us come unto Thee,
delighting in Thy Heavenly pasture,
and praising Thee
forever and ever.
Amen.
Prayers lifted for all the victims, their families, and also for the survivors who are just beginning to feel the aftermath of their trauma.
Jane Reinheimer
Prayers Said for all touched, and Our Country.
Amen.
Disclaimer: Opinions posted on Free Republic are those of the individual posters and do not necessarily represent the opinion of Free Republic or its management. All materials posted herein are protected by copyright law and the exemption for fair use of copyrighted works.