Dear People of Bethesda-by-the-Sea,
We join with people around our country to pause once again and offer prayers for those who have been killed and injured by senseless gun violence. Join me in praying for the victims and their families, for public officials, and those who care for the community of Uvalde, Texas —
Almighty God, we seek your grace, healing and balm is the face of the unspeakable evil wrought on innocent children and teachers in Uvalde, Texas. We lift to your loving embrace the souls of the nineteen children and two teachers who were killed on Tuesday. We ask for your healing presence among those who are injured and for all the children and families of Uvalde. We commend to your care and guiding light those who tend to those who have been murdered and injured, and their families and friends — medical care workers, nurses, physicians, first-responders, counselors, clergy and communities of faith.
We ask for the healing of our nation. As we pray once again for those who have been lost by gun violence, may our petitions lead us to action, that we will be vessels of change and peace. We ask that you guide and govern our public officials and all of our people to make this world a safer place for all children. We ask these prayers in Jesus’ name. Amen.
May God compel us to prayer and then may God help us rise from our petitions and be ambassadors of love, healing and resolve.
Faithfully,
Bob Dannals
Interim Rector