Prayer for America 04/03/06

O Holy One, we pray for the souls of innocent people who have died in acts of violence. In memory of those who were killed by guns in the street, we pray for peace. In memory of those whose lives were ended by acts of terrorism, we pray for peace. In memory of every woman, man, or child who died because of the hatred in another’s heart, we pray for peace.

Keep these valiant souls foremost in our hearts and minds that we might honor their memory, and because of how they died, we pledge ourselves to live in peace. Wash our hearts that they may be whiter than snow, and put all thoughts of violence far from our minds. Give us the strength to say: “Peace starts here, with me, in my heart.” Inspire us to act so that others might put aside their own violent thoughts. Guide us toward concrete actions that lead to peace, so that someday we might live as one people in peace. In your holy name we pray, amen.