From The Living Church-From the Most Rev. Katharine Jefferts Schori, Presiding Bishop of the Episcopal Church
Gracious God, you walk with us through the valley of the shadow of death. We pray that the suffering and terrorized be surrounded by the incarnate presence of the crucified and risen one. May every human being be reminded of the precious gift of life you entered to share with us. May our hearts be pierced with compassion for those who suffer, and for those who have inflicted this violence, for your love is the only healing balm we know. May the dead be received into your enfolding arms, and may your friends show the grieving they are not alone as they walk this vale of tears. All this we pray in the name of the one who walked the road to Calvary.
From the Rt. Rev. Jacob Owensby, Bishop of Western Louisiana
The following is an initial pastoral letter to the people of the Episcopal Diocese of Western Louisiana and to anyone seeking a word of hope and consolation.
Dear Sisters and Brothers,
Like you I am reeling from the news coming from Boston. Innocent people have been killed and many more have been injured by bombs timed to explode as the Boston Marathon was coming to a close. First responders reacted with heroic speed, and now medical personnel apply their skilled hands to saving and healing those who survived. Families, friends, the country, and much of the world watch and pray tonight.
Let us join them in prayer. Prayers for those who have entered into eternal life and for those fighting to recover. Prayers for the first responders and medical teams. Prayers for those who wait anxiously for word that their loved one is okay. Prayers for those whose hearts are rent by grief.
Earlier today I shared prayers on Facebook from Unapologetically Episcopalian. I share these rich Anglican prayers with you now and ask you to join me in lifting them to the Lord:
More here-
http://www.livingchurch.org/prayers-victims-boston
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