Dear People of God, our world has again been shaken by violence, gunfire, and explosions. Hear then the words of the psalmist who said,

“For God alone my soul in silence waits;
from him comes my salvation.

He alone is my rock and my salvation,
my stronghold, so that I shall not be greatly shaken.” (62:1-2)

Let us, therefore, in silence offer our prayers.

For the people of Lebanon and especially of Beirut:
– For those affected by the bombings on Thursday evening,
– For those who died,
– For those who were injured,
– For those who grieve,
– For those who care for the victims, and
– For those who work for peace.

Silence

For the people of France and especially of Paris:
– For those affected by the attacks on Friday evening,
– For those who died,
– For those who were injured,
– For those who grieve,
– For those who care for the victims, and
– For those who work for peace.

Silence

O Lord our God, accept the fervent prayers of your people; in the multitude of your mercies, look with compassion upon us and all who turn to you for help; for you are gracious, O lover of souls, and to you we give glory, Father, Son, and Holy Spirit, now and for ever. Amen.

For the Islamic State and its people;
– For those whom we consider our enemies, and
– For those who consider us their enemy.

Silence

O God, the Father of all, whose Son commanded us to love our enemies: Lead them and us from prejudice to truth: deliver them and us from hatred, cruelty, and revenge; and in your good time enable us all to stand reconciled before you, through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.