This week, I am reprinting (with permission) a prayer written by Breana Davis for the Ignatian Solidarity Network in response to the recent tragic mass shooting in Buffalo, NY.
God of abundant love,
In the aftermath of another horrific act of violence and racism,
In which, human lives, sacred and precious, were lost,
We pray for blessing and healing in the Buffalo community.
In a special way we pray for:
Celestine Chaney
Roberta Drury
Andre Mackniel
Katherine Massey
Margus Morrison
Heyward Patterson
Aaron Salter
Geraldine Talley
Ruth Whitfield
Pearl Young
And the three individuals who were injured during the attack. We pray for their loved ones and for all who were present during the attack and who are grappling with its aftermath.
We hold in our hearts all those killed by gun violence and who are victims of racism.
God, wrap your healing love around these individuals and their families and communities, and inspire each of us to act with prophetic love so that racism and violence have no place to grow in this world.
Amen.
Paul Litwin
Saint Francis of Assisi at St John the Evangelist 