1 John 3:16-24
Prayer offered at beginning of worship:
O Almighty and merciful God, Lord of the universe and of history. All that You have created is good and your compassion for the mistakes of mankind knows no limits.
We come to You today to ask You to keep in peace the world and its people, to keep far away from it the devastation of violence, to restore friendship and instill in the hearts of your creatures the gift of trust and of readiness to forgive.
O Giver of life, we pray to You also for all those who have died as victims of senseless attacks, and the friends and family who will mourn them.
O Jesus, Prince of Peace, we pray to You for the ones who have been wounded in these acts of inhuman violence. Heal their bodies and hearts; console them with Your strength and, at the same time, take away any hatred and a desire for revenge.
Holy Spirit Consoler, visit the families of the victims, families that suffer through no fault of their own. Wrap them in the mantle of Your divine mercy. Make them find again in You and in themselves the strength and courage to continue to be brothers and sisters for others.
Touch the hearts of us who are aroused with anger, so that we may recognize such affections, and temper us before they blossom into evil actions. Turn us to the way of peace and goodness, of respect for the life and for the dignity of every human being, regardless of origin or background.
O God, Eternal Father, in Your mercy hear our prayer which we raise up to You amidst the deafening noise and desperation of the world. We turn to You with great hope, full of trust in Your infinite Mercy.
Through Christ our Lord. Amen.
(Adapted from a prayer of Pope Francis)
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