O Lord of life, the God of our salvation, who bears our burdens: Our hearts have once again been broken by violence and gunfire; this time in Gilroy, El Paso, and Dayton. Our eyes waste away with grief. Our spirit shakes with terror. How long, O Lord, how long? 

Grant, O Lord, eternal rest to all who died in Gilroy, El Paso, and Dayton. Let light perpetual shine upon them. May their souls, and the souls of all the departed, through your mercy, rest in peace.

Remember in your love and compassion all who mourn and grieve the death of family and friends. Nourish them with patience, comfort them with a sense of your goodness, strengthen them to meet the days ahead, lift up your countenance upon them, and give them peace.

Draw near in this time of sorrow and anguish. Strengthen those who are weary, encourage those who despair, and lead us all to the fullness of life.

As you, O Lord, weep for the sorrows of your children, so let us weep for the sorrows of our brothers and sisters. Give us tears of compassion that our hearts may not become desensitized to violence or hardened and stored up with fear, prejudice, or indifference.

We thank you for the first responders, doctors, nurses, and unknown neighbors who gave of themselves to care for the victims of these shootings. Send you holy angels to sustain, guard, and protect them. 

Give wisdom, creativity, and perseverance to all who work for unity, peace, concord, and the freedom of all people. Guide the President and Congress of the United States in the ways of your peace, nonviolence, and justice.

How long, O Lord, how long? Open our ears to hear our question to you as yours to us. How long, O my people? How long?

Give us the faith to say our prayers and the courage to act and work for change and the well being of all people. 

All this we ask through your Son, our Savior, Jesus Christ. Amen.