Prayers for Newtown, Conn. and Sandy Hook Elementary

Words cannot describe the pain, frustration, and hurt that we all feel as we have earned about the shooting that took place today at an elementary school in Newtown, Conn.

It is appropriate for us to join with our brothers and sisters in Newtown, Conn., in prayer. The Book of Worship and The Book of Common Prayer offer several that help us pray for God’s guidance, strength, and comfort in this situation. May the Lord of Grace and Peace be with everyone in Newtown, Conn., and Sandy Hook Elementary. God be with us all!

From The Book of Worship:

A Prayer for An Untimely or Tragic Death (Adapted)

God of us all, we thank you for Christ’s grace through which we pray to you in this dark hour. Lives that so many love have been torn from us. Expectations the years once held have vanished. The mystery of death has stricken us. O God, you know the lives we live and the deaths we die – woven so strangely of purpose and chance, of reason and of the irrational, of strength and of frailty, of happiness and pain. Into your hands we commend the souls of Sandy Hook Elementary. No mortal life you have made is without eternal meaning. No earthly fate is beyond your redeeming. Through your grace that can do far more than we can think or imagine, fulfill in these children and adults your purpose that reaches beyond time and death. Lead them from strength to strength, and fit them for love and service in your kingdom. Into your hands we commit our lives. You alone, God, make us dwell in safety. Whom, finally, have we on earth or in heaven but you? Help us to know the measure of our days, and how frail we are. Hold us in your keeping. Forgive us our sins. Save our minds from despair and our hearts from fear. And guard and guide us with your peace. Amen.

A Prayer for Safety

Almighty and merciful God, of your bountiful goodness keep us from all things that may hurt us, that we, being ready in both body and soul, may cheerfully accomplish those thing you command;; through Jesus Christ our Savor. Amen.

From The Book of Common Prayer:

A Prayer for Peace

Eternal God, in whose perfect kingdom no sword is drawn but the sword of righteousness, no strength known but the strength of love: So mightily spread abroad your Spirit, that all peoples may be gathered under the banner of the Prince of Peace, as children of one Father; to whom be dominion and glory, now and for ever. Amen.

A Prayer for the Care of Children

Almighty God, heavenly Father, you have blessed us with the joy and care for children: Give us calm strength and patient wisdom as we bring them up, that we may teach them to love whatever is just and true and good, following the example of our Savior Jesus Christ. Amen.