prayer for a community at a loss for words

Oh Unknowable Author of Mystery,

We cry out to you

in shock and sadness

anger and doubt

We do not understand

what appears to be

the absence of your Love

in the murder of twenty innocent children

and the loving adults who cared for them

or the trauma their classmates, colleagues, and families

are now experiencing

We are heartbroken for all of them.

We don’t know what to do!

Some of us feel like powerless children

eyes wide, hands in the air

just hoping for a reason

to feel safe

Some of us feel like worried parents

who just want to do something

to make everything “all better”

Some of us feel a wish to be leaders

to make laws or create programs

in an attempt to prevent any more loss

But – we all know

as individuals

we are powerless

We are unable to prevent loss.

We are unable to make it all better.

As individuals, we are powerless

to create safety for all of the children in our care.

That’s why we are here

hoping

against all of our doubts

that You – the Power

of Universal Love

You – the Unseen Friend to All

You – the Holy Glue

that somehow brings us together

even in our diversity of stories

about who You are and who you are not

We beg You – Love – to connect us now.

Bring us a clarity in our Oneness

as the Human Family

that allows us

to think together

to work compassionately

and thoroughly and wisely

to create safety and well-being

for all of us.

 

We commit ourselves to each other

–despite our differences–

to love each other

to help each other

We commit ourselves

to asking for help.

We commit ourselves

to creating safety

in each personal interaction

so that people who are deeply hurting

and scared

can find the help that is needed

We commit ourselves to Love

We are thankful

for the light of community.

We are thankful

to be alive

to have each other

and to know Love works.

We ask

for comfort

for hope

for peace

and for wisdom.

Let it be so.

(c)2012 Barbara L. Walker, Morgantown WV

written for a candlelight vigil for the children of Sandy Hook

for all who have lost a child, or the dream of a child, 

in whatever way the child was lost

your pain may have been triggered by this event

this song may comfort you

for leaders, official and otherwise, please start with this story