I say to you, love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you. (Matt 5:43)

Lord, I come to You in the midst of chaos, confusion and in pain; violence has taken place again in our nation. Particularly, our Nation”s Capital. We are in need of healing; of Your gentle touch, Your tender voice and compassionate heart, Help us to transform our pain into new life, and life more abundantly.

Give us the strength and courage to live life vigorously and not to take for granted each day that you allow us to see. For times are filled with swift transitions; but yet we are going to hold to your unchanging hand. Turn our despair into hope, our hate into love and our anger into joy. For weeping my endure for a moment, but joy is on the way.

Let us seek to be reconciled with our loved ones, family, friends, co-workers and yes even our enemies. Help us to forgive, as You forgave. Help us to love our enemies and pray for those who have persecuted us. Bring justice and peace to the lives of those who have decided to take life and death into their hands; failing to realize that it’s you Lord who gives, and it is you Lord who takes away. Let us see Your face and feel the warmth of Your love in the midst of this tragedy.

Lord we pray for Your mercy and compassion, We live in troubled times, so many troubled people. Breath upon us your spirit with power to strengthen our resolve to root out the violence, hate, and fear in our neighborhoods. Replace it with Your forbearance and love. Create in us hearts of courage, grace us with the ability to stand against the violence of our day: the violence in ourselves, our homes, streets and communities. In the strong name of Jesus, we declare it, we decree it! Amen.