In the Wake of Violence and Hate

God,

In the wake of violence and hate,

May compassion flow;

May love be preached in word and action;

May hate be rejected;

May we temper our outrage with the Fruit of your presence as Spirit;

May we remember your call love neighbour and enemy;

May we reject evil, whilst at the same time having the wisdom to not add to it;

May we know you to be at work for good, even in the midst of heartache and suffering.

Centre us in your presence,

That we might be sacred ground for hope, peace, love and healing,

Even amidst trouble and strife.

As Christ, speak as Word we might know what to do and say,

And thereby do justly,

Love with mercy and kindness,

And walk humbly with you,

Immanuel – God with us.

In the wake of violence and hate we pray.

Amen.

– Poem by Rev John Humphries