A Prayer for Mass Shootings

In times of unspeakable tragedy, we find ourselves grappling with the weight of loss, violence, and heartache. When senseless acts of violence shatter lives and communities, we are called to pause, reflect, and pray for healing, justice, and lasting peace. As individuals and as a collective, we have the power to advocate for change, to offer comfort, and to act in the name of peace. 

For all those processing grief, loss, fear, and anger in these days, we offer this prayer written by Tatayana Richardson. As we join in prayer together, may you remember that you are beloved and you are not alone.

A Prayer for Mass Shootings

God of Peace and Mercy,

This day we come seeking your solace and calming presence.

We find ourselves amid tragedy once again. We witness the reality of lives taken too soon. We contend with our inability to bring to justice to those who perpetrate senseless violence. We wail amid civic irresponsibility to protect the lives of our communities.

We come today praying your peace over families whose lives will never be the same. We pray that as they grieve and find themselves in agony, you will be with them, Lord. We pray that they know they do not walk this journey alone, but that they are enveloped in your love and in the love of the community.

We pray for those who on this day are personally reminded of the legacy of violence. We pray for those who may be reminded of their traumas and grief around mass shootings. Lord, please settle their hearts and spirits.

We pray this day for the community, Lord. We pray for the ones who have been forever changed and for the ones who have the power to make change so that this might never happen again.

On this day we shout to you, Lord, praying for reprieve from this violence. We pray that you move in the hands and hearts of law makers, of organizers, of activists, of everyday community members.

We pray that you remind us on this day of our interconnectedness that we might remember the grief of this moment is a responsibility on us all, that we might work as individuals and collectives to bring change to our nation so that no community may ever know this grief again.

We pray this day, oh Lord, that your spirit blow change upon us as we realize our transgressions of silence and carelessness. Compel us to work to change not only ourselves but also our communities, God.

We pray this in the name of God, the Creator and Sustainer. 

Amen.

Tatayana Richardson is a student at Vanderbilt Divinity School in Nashville, Tennessee.