Dear friend,
The war in the Ukraine and now, to date, statics from the Gun Violence Archives (GVA) a recorded 238 mass shootings, including the most recent violent attack on the elementary school in Uvalde, Texas are shaking the very core of our lives. These absolutely senseless acts of violence have many people asking, ‘where is God in the midst of all this’? Rest assured, our God is with us and He will never forsake us.
Tragically we live in an imperfect world. Violence is a part of our lives but there are ways to control the violence with support groups and organizations that are stepping up to make a difference. One sure way we can all do our part to make a difference is to pray, really pray.
Jesus’ words bring peace and understanding to one’s heart and soul, especially during difficult times like this. Please take time to read the Gospel of John particularly Chapters 14-17.
My prayer this week is taken from a beautiful and very poignant prayer that I found on line written by the Sisters of Mercy.
*Prayer: Let the Shooting End
God, our hearts are broken with pain at the senseless deaths caused by gun violence. Families mourn, children live in fear, and some in our nation respond by arming themselves with more guns with greater capacity to end life. Our disconnection and alienation has caused some to turn to guns for protection and safety. We ask that you touch our hearts with your love, heal our brokenness, and turn us away from violence toward peace. Help us to transform our own hearts and to seek peaceful ways of resolving our differences. Let our hands reach out and connect with those who feel alone, those who live in fear, and those suffering from mental illness. Let our voices be raised asking our legislators to enact gun laws to protect all in our society, especially those most vulnerable. Let our pens write messages demanding change while also scripting words of hope and transformation. We ask this in the name of the God who desires that we live together in peace. Amen
And may God continue to be with the people of the Ukraine. Amen
May God be with you and may He continue to protect and guide you and yours!
Peace, love, joy and thanksgiving in Christ Jesus, our Savior!
Marie Antoinette
All life matters – from conception on!
*https://sistersofmercy.org/resource/prayer-let-the-shooting-end-2/
His Righteousness 