This week’s events have been dominated by the shootings in Charleston at the historic Emanuel AME congregation. In addition, many in the congregation and community are suffering with illness or worry for family and friends. Into this tumultuous world we cast our prayers for strength and steadiness. Here is Rev. Kent’s prayer offered beautifully by worship leader, Sue Peterson Blythe.
God Almighty, like Cain and Abel, brothers are killing brothers over who will be liked more and have the most. Cancer and death rages in our families and takes our brightest and best from us. Our hearts are ravaged, our minds are weary. We wonder and debate and are weak with the efforts of grief. We pray simply for the tide of violence and pain to ebb; for your heavenly voice to still our earthly tumult. We pray for insight into our unwitting complicities and complications. In our divisions some profit, but we all pay. We are one people and we are all in one boat. Calm the storm inside each of us for our own sake, and for the sake of listening beyond our fears to hear the needs of others. In so doing may we rebuild the ruined cities where mothers weep too often and where cruel violence and it’s lies still reign. If blame or apathy have kept us indifferent, wash over us and leave us with resolve to be your children in fact and in name and in action. Healing those who mourn, restoring those who have been diminished, and crowding out evil with good: These are the marks of discipleship, the indelible tattoo of your followers. When our turmoil threatens to rock the boat, still the waves, and blow us to a better shore. Amen. — Rev. Kent Gilbert
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