“You do not run from our brokenness, O God.
You move ever toward those in need.”
From “A Liturgy for Grieving a National Tragedy” Every Moment Holy Vol. II: Death, Grief, and Hope
My heart broke yet again seeing the headlines about the mass shooting at Robb Elementary School in Uvalde, Texas.
Less than ten days ago, we were reading headlines about the shootings at a supermarket in Buffalo, New York, and a Taiwanese church in Southern California.
So much grief, pain, and suffering.
So much death. So much sin.
So much spilled blood crying out to the Lord for justice (Genesis 4:10).
All murders are tragic, but it feels so much more appalling when kids are involved.
As of today, the count of the murdered at Robb Elementary stands at 19 kids and two teachers (who died trying to protect their students).
I simply cannot wrap my mind around the disbelief, terror, sadness, and anger those families are experiencing. My own kids are just a little older than many of the deceased.
Where does a person even start to process that level of terror and heartbreak?
In the face of tragedy, I struggle to find the right words to pray. Thankfully, in moments like these, the Holy Spirit helps us pray in our weakness (Romans 8:26).
Over the years, my appreciation has grown for pre-written prayers. I own several books of prayers from various Christian traditions and times in history. They bless and strengthen my soul. They help give voice to my overwhelmed mind and stammering tongue.
Douglas McKelvey has published two books of prayers under the title Every Moment Holy. Volume I Liturgies for Daily Life and Volume II Death, Grief, and Hope.
McKelvey’s books have been catalytic in my personal prayer life. Perhaps they will be helpful to you, as well. More info is available at everymomentholy.com or in the Every Moment Holy app.
As we find ourselves yet again struggling to process the grief of a national tragedy, consider the prayerful words below.
“Liturgy for Grieving a National Tragedy” by Douglas mckelvey
O God who gathers what has been scattered,
Shelter us now in the shadow of your wings.
O Christ who binds our wounds,
Be our great healer.
O Spirit who enters our every grief,
Intercede now for this hurting people, in this broken land.
Be present in the midst of this far-reaching pain,
O Lord, for we are reeling again, at news of another loss of life
that touches us all; news of flourishing diminished; of individuals harmed;
of pain imposed, not only upon victims and their families who bear now the
immediate brunt of it—but also upon our nation.
For we are connected as a people, and this hurt, this grief, touches us all.
Engage our imaginations and move our hearts to compassion, O Lord,
that we would interact with these casualties, not as news stories or statistics,
but as our own sisters and brothers, flesh and blood, divine image-bearers,
irreplaceable individuals whose losses will leave gaping holes in homes, friendships,
workplaces, churches, schools, organizations, and neighborhoods.
Be merciful to those now wounded.
Be present with those now bereaved.
You do not run from our brokenness, O God.
You move ever toward those in need.
Your heart is always inclined toward those who suffer.
Now let your mercies be active through the hands, the words,
and the compassionate care of those who willingly enter this
sadness to console and to serve.
Be with all who move toward this need:
the helpers, the counselors, the first responders,
those who offer aid and protection, the pastors and intercessors,
those who meet immediate practical needs,
those who seek to heal physical wounds, and those who come after to carry on the
long, hard work of rebuilding families and hearts and lives and community.
Grant each of them wisdom, courage, vision, sympathy,
and strength to serve effectively in their various capacities.
Even in the shadow of such tragedy, let us not lose hope.
Give us eyes to see the rapid movements of mercy rushing to
fill these newly wounded spaces.
Let us see in this the echoes of your own mercy and compassion—
a foretaste of your kingdom coming to earth.
And move our own hearts also, equipping us to intercede,
to act, and to respond however we are able.
Move, O Holy Spirit, in the midst and in the aftermath
of this tragedy, in the wake of our wounding,
in the shock and the sorrow.
Arrest the hearts and stay the hands of any who even now
might be plotting further evil and violence against others, O Christ.
Turn them from hatred. Turn their hearts to you.
You once brooded over the formless chaos
of ancient waters and brought forth
the order and flourishing of creation.
Do so again, O Spirit of God.
From the chaos of this tragedy call forth
new life and order and flourishing.
Take even what our adversary might
have meant for evil, and from it
bring forth eternal good.
You alone have strength to carry this people.
Carry us now, O Lord.
You alone have wisdom and power to heal the wounds of a nation.
Heal us, O Lord.
You alone have compassion enough to enter our widespread grief, and turn it to hope.
Be merciful, O Christ!
Amen.
