God, you came to us, and revealed yourself to us as Emmanuel – God with us. And this week, in a place named for this blessing beyond measure, took place an act of terror most appalling.
We pray for families of the victims, for their grief and sudden loss. We are in awe at their willingness to find words of forgiveness. We pray for survivors, young and old. Heal their lives and their memories.
Oh God, heal this nation! Change us into people of equality, justice and hope. Put an end to systems of racism and inequality that keep the powerful rich and the voiceless poor.
Most of all, change us who gather in this room today. Heal us! Heal me, Jesus, right now. That this place would be a beacon of your light to the deepest shadows of the world; that we would be witnesses of your hope when it seems all hope is lost; that we would know you are Emmanuel! You are with us, and have never left us.
Jesus, so often the world says, “Love your neighbor and hate your enemy.” But you said something else: “Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you.”
As we have prayed for our Christian brothers and sisters, our partners, and friends, we also pray for our enemies and anyone who would do us harm, even when the words we muster are little more than a whisper.
Come, Lord Jesus, Emmanuel.