A Prayer for New Orleans
O God, we enter this new year with heavy hearts as we learn of a celebration disrupted by violence and death in New Orleans. We thank you for law enforcement and first responders, and we pray for them. We pray for the family and friends of those who were killed, for those on the scene reporting on this event, for medical professionals and coroners, and for the residents of New Orleans. Walk alongside those who are in shock, who are heartbroken, and who are angry.
God of mercy and peace, as we pray for New Orleans, we also pray for those for whom death and violence are not unexpected horrors but who daily live in fear of bombings, air strikes, and other acts of death and destruction. We long for the day when justice and mercy and peace shall roll down like waters and when swords shall be beaten into plowshares. Until that day comes, strengthen those who are offering comfort and protection and those who are working for peace.
As we enter a new year, grant us courage, wisdom, and the desire and will not to turn away from suffering but to embrace your call to agents of healing and peace. In Jesus' Name.
#prayforneworleans #workforpeace