Praying in the Midst of Tragedy and Despair

This morning John Birch of faithandworship.com posted this prayer on the Light for the Journey Facebook page. It is such an apt prayer for this time that I thought I would repost it here.

Thinking particularly of that tragedy in Ukraine, but encompassing so many others…

We pray for all whose lives
have been touched by tragedy,
whether by accident
or a deliberate act.
For those who mourn,
immerse them in your love
and lead them through this darkness
into your arms, and light.
For those who comfort,
be in both the words they use
and all that’s left unspoken;
fill each heart with love.
We ask this through Jesus Christ,
whose own suffering brought us life,
here and for eternity. Amen

©John Birch, http://faithandworship.com

Having just read this prayer, I turned to my scripture readings for the day which included Psalm 31. This psalm and particularly verses 14 & 15  But I trust in you, Lord; I say, “You are my God. My times are in your hands; and the final verse Be strong and take heart, all you who hope in the Lord have been my scriptures I return to throughout my life. Part of the scripture is on the cover of an old bible.

Reflecting on that gave birth to this prayer:

Lord our trust is in you alone.
In a world with much despair and trouble,
where people are famished for hope we turn to you.
Make us strong to comfort those who are in despair.
Give us hope to encourage and strengthen those in trouble.
Send your unfailing love to surround those who are in harms way.
Comfort the comforters,
Mourn with the mourners,
Protect the innocent,
Draw us all into the shelter of your wings.

©Christine Sine