Yesterday we heard the tragic news of a school shooting in Nashville, TN at Covenant School, a private Christian school founded in 2001 as a ministry of Covenant Presbyterian Church. Three children and three adults were killed: Evelyn Dieckhaus, Hallie Scruggs, and William Kinney, all age 9, Cynthia Peak, age 61, Katherine Koonce, age 60, and Mike Hill, age 61. Words seem to fail in such times, but we offer this prayer for those who are grieving:
“The Lord is near to the brokenhearted and saves the crushed in spirit.” (Ps. 34:18)
Lord, have mercy.
Christ, have mercy.
Lord, have mercy.
Father of mercies and God of all comfort, our hearts are heavy at the news of more precious lives cut short by senseless violence. Why, O Lord? Why do the wicked prevail and the righteous suffer? Do not hide your face in this dark hour. Have mercy, have mercy, most merciful Father. Pour out your grace upon the families of Evelyn, Hallie, and William, three precious children of your church, now comforted at your right hand, and upon all who are grieving the loss of your servants Cynthia, Katherine, and Mike. Begin to heal this school, church, and community, and grant us strong help to mourn with those who mourn, work towards safety and justice for all, and look for your blessed appearing, when all violence will cease and you will reign in peace unto ages of ages. Through Jesus Christ our Lord, Amen.
