In response to the tragic explosions at the Boston Marathon, the Presiding Bishop of the Episcopal Church and our own local Bishop have each called on all of us to keep the victims and families in our prayers.
From the Rt. Rev. Rayford B. High, Jr.:
When I first heard the tragic news of the bombing at the Boston Marathon, I could not believe my ears – not again!
This is a joyous event, filled with people from all walks of life celebrating the gift of running and endurance, representing the wide diversity of this great nation. We ask, how could this happen? I was reminded through this terrible act of violence that there is still much evil in our world. I then thought about the constant killing and wounding of the innocent children of God in Syria, who experience this daily.
My first action after this news was to pray for those who died, for those who are suffering from wounds and for their families. I ask you, sisters and brothers in the Episcopal Diocese of Fort Worth, to hold up in prayer all those whose lives have been so dramatically altered. Pray for strength and peace for those who attend the suffering. Finally, I ask for your prayers for those whose actions caused this great loss and pain.
This coming Sunday, may we at the altar remember in our prayers all of those who have been affected by this tragedy. It is our faith in Jesus Christ that will help all of us get through this and move forward.
From the Most Rev. Katherine Jefferts Schori:
Gracious God, you walk with us through the valley of the shadow of death. We pray that the suffering and terrorized be surrounded by the incarnate presence of the crucified and risen one. May every human being be reminded of the precious gift of life you entered to share with us. May our hearts be pierced with compassion for those who suffer, and for those who have inflicted this violence, for your love is the only healing balm we know. May the dead be received into your enfolding arms, and may your friends show the grieving they are not alone as they walk this vale of tears. All this we pray in the name of the one who walked the road to Calvary.