A Prayer in the Face of Gun Violence

Dearest Jesus,
The unthinkable has happened again.
I pray for the victims of this crime,
those present and their loved ones,
the roots of this violent act spreading to touch us all.

I know that this is not your plan,
that thoughts and prayers alone will do nothing.
Help us to face this horror with open eyes.
Strengthen our resolve to do what must be done,
to unseat firearms from the pedestal where they sit,
in our esteem, uncomfortably close to you.
You, who would not allow the throwing of a stone.

Help us to commit to peace
in our dealings with one another.
Help us catch those who are falling
with open hands and hearts.
Enable us to forgive the unforgiveable.
We pray all this, even as we hope
we will never need to repeat it.

Amen.