Our lives are affected by the violence around us, whether it be from watching the news or from the death of someone close to us in an act of brutality. The Sisters of the Precious Blood want to express our solidarity with those who have lost a loved one to violence by praying for your families and community. In 1994, we initiated prayer at homicide sites in Dayton, Ohio—now we want to open up our prayer to the world. Join us as we step toward ending violence in our world.
This is a place for prayer, meditation, spiritual healing, and to connect with God. View the candles below to see other prayers. When you’re ready, click on the button below to share your prayer request.
Please note: all prayer requests are subject to approval before being displayed.
Please visit our Community Homicide Prayer Vigil Facebook page
Darrell Holderman, Jarren Allen, Jamell Brown, Mark Watts, Aisha Nelson and daughter Harper Monroe Guynn – 2022
June 30, 2022
As June draws to a close, we have had 6 gun-related homicides this month claiming the lives of six persons ranging in age from 6 to 78. The victims are: June 1: Darrell Holderman, 78, a security guard at Miami Valley Hospital; June 6: Jarren Allen, 30, shot in his backyard on Clemmer St.; June 8: Jamell Brown, 37, killed in the 300 block of Woodward Ave.; June 20: Mark Watts, 33, during a Fathers’ Day event in Harrison Township; June 23: Aisha Nelson 31, and daughter, Harper Monroe Guynn, 6 in their home on Burleigh Ave. In addition to these killings there have been a number of shootings in our community. Recent decisions lessening gun restrictions by Ohio’s legislature and by the Supreme Court cause us to wonder if both shootings and homicides will increase. All life is precious; all life must be protected. HOMICIDE PRAYER VIGIL, June 2022 OPENING PRAYER: Faithful and loving God, with your help we come this day to stand up to violence. We stand together expressing our unity, our connection to each other and to you who are our hope for healing and transformation. Let your Spirit move through us. Help us to transform and heal our communities by first transforming ourselves. Let us be images of your Son Jesus who died that all people would know your love. We come in peace and with hope for a better world as we remember victims of violence and their families. Scripture Reading: Habakkuk 1:2, 2:1-3 “How long God am I to cry for help while you will not listen; to cry ‘Violence’ in your ear while you will not save? I shall stand at my post, I shall station myself on my watch-tower, watching what he will say to me, what answer he will make to my complaints. Then God answered me and said, ‘Write the vision down, inscribe it on tablets to be easily read. For the vision is for its appointed time, it hastens towards its end and it will not lie, although it may take some time, wait for it, for come it certainly will before too long.” Luke 6:36-39 “Be merciful, just as your Father is merciful. Do not judge, and you will not be judged. Do not condemn, and you will not be condemned. Forgive, and you will be forgiven. Give, and it will be given to you.” Reflection: What is the vision for which we pray? What does Jesus’ vision require of us? Response in Prayer: Loving God, each person is of your creation, Darrell, Jarren, Jamell, Mark, Aisha and Harper, Give everlasting peace to each of them! Loving God, so many people are in pain and grieving today especially the families and friends of those whom we mentioned and all who have lost loved ones to violence, Give them strength and peace and have companions to journey with! Loving God, our streets and lives are stained with the blood of our brothers and sisters, all with a unique story and many wanting someone who cares, Help us reach out to them with healing and a life-giving presence! Loving God, in our lives, our neighborhoods and the world, especially at places of violence and bloodshed, we grieve, Give us hearts of reconciliation and show us the way to peace! Loving God, when we see people alone, hungry, discriminated against or victims of hate, Teach us to respect everyone with human dignity! Loving God, when people are tested and turn to guns and violence to solve problems or differences, Make our hearts stand in solidarity with Jesus and the victims as we try to change our systems! Loving God, men and women in law enforcement face daily challenges, Give them wisdom and integrity as they seek to protect and serve all members of our communities! Prayer to End Violence: God of life, source of hope, the violence within our world, our communities, our families, indeed within our very selves is destroying Your creation. In union with the Precious Blood of Jesus, give us strength to break the cycle of violence, to hear the cry of the blood and make sacred Your earth stained by blood. This we ask in Jesus Name. AMEN. Peace be with you!! “Let there be peace on earth.”
For a Father Aquiles Cabarrubias on Father’s Day and Repose of His Soul – 2022
June 21, 2022
Pericles Bernard Cabarrubias, For a Deceased Parent Aquiles on Father’s Day: O God, Who has commanded us to honor our father Aquiles, have compassion in Thy mercy, on the soul of my father Aquiles; forgive him his sins, and grant that I may see him in the joy of eternal brightness. Through Christ our Lord, Amen. et convertet cor patrum ad filios et cor filiorum ad patres eorum, Prayer for Fathers, 19 June 2022. God our Father, in your wisdom and love you made all things. Bless these men, that they may be strengthened as Christian fathers. Let the example of their faith and love shine forth. Grant that we, their sons and daughters, may honor them always with a spirit of profound respect. Grant this through Christ our Lord. Amen. The Solemnity of the Most Holy Body and Blood of Christ. Corpus Christi Prayer , Let us pray for the willingness to make present in our world the love of Christ shown to us in the Eucharist, Lord Jesus Christ, we worship you living among us in the sacrament of your body and blood. May we offer to our Father in heaven a solemn pledge of undivided love. May we offer to our brothers and sisters a life poured out in loving service of that kingdom where you live with the Father and the Holy Spirit one God for ever and ever. Amen. Apostleship of Prayer - Philippines, Confraternity of the Most Holy Rosary - Family of St. Dominic in Cebu, Philippines.
Taylor Johnson, Steven L. Arnold, Myquan R. Taylor, Reinaldo Gomez Taylor, Jermaine Chatham, Bobbie Daniels and those in Buffalo, Uvalde and Ukraine – 2022
June 2, 2022
The month of May will be remembered as a month of grieving. From Buffalo, NY to Uvalde, TX lives of young and old have been lost to hatred and gun violence. Here in our own community, families have also experienced the deaths of those they loved: May 6 Taylor Johnson, 21, found shot to death in a car on Saylor St. in Harrison Twp.; May 16 Steven L. Arnold, 39 shot on W. Third St., died on May 17; May 18 Myquan R. Taylor, 29, shot on Stewart St., died 3 days later on May 21. May 28 Reinaldo Gomez Taylor, 33, shot near Save-A-Lot on N. Gettysburg Ave.; May 29 Jermaine Chatham, 42, shot in the 700 block of Parkview Ave.; May 31 Bobbie Daniels, 40, shot while cutting grass in Trotwood. And we remember the countless lives ended in Ukraine. “Thoughts and prayers are not enough.” This is a phrase so often heard during this time of so much loss and grief. And yet we do pray mindful that God works through us and calls us to build a better world. Scripture: Revelations 21: 1 3-4 Then I saw new heavens and a new earth. The former heavens and the former earth had passed away ... I heard a voice from the throne cry out: 'This is God’ dwelling among [all people]. He shall dwell with them and they shall be his people and he shall be their God who is always with them. He shall wipe every tear from their eyes, and there shall be no more death or mourning, crying out or pain, for the former world has passed away. We pray: God of our lives, you are always calling us to follow you into the future, inviting us to new ventures, new challenges, new ways to care, new ways to touch the hearts of all. When we become fearful of the unknown, give us courage. When we worry that we are not up to the task, remind us that you would not call us if you did not believe in us. When we get tired or feel disappointed with the way thing are going, remind us that you can bring change and hope out of the most difficult situation. (Kathy Galloway) We reflect: In this culture of racism and violence, to what is God calling me? With which of the feelings in the above prayer do I most identify? Where do I find hope? In Scripture, in persons, in movements, in ... We ask: God in your mercy, hear us. For Taylor, Steven, Myquan, Reinaldo, Jermaine, Bobbie and all victims of violence, especially those in Buffalo, Uvalde and Ukraine ... For the family and friends of all who grieve ... For all who inflict violence, that they find both justice and mercy ... For wisdom guidance and compassion on all who serve the common good ... For ourselves, that we may actively pursue lives of non-violence ... For these intentions that I hold in my heart ... OUR FATHER WHO ART IN HEAVEN ...
The people of Ukraine – 2022
Ronnie J. Brown – 2022
April 30, 2022
In the midst of celebrating the new life of spring and the resurrected life of Jesus, we remember homicide victim Ronnie J. Brown, 60. Mr. Brown, a security employee at Setters Volleyball Club, died on April 25, two days after being assaulted while on duty. “He was everybody’s everything, he knew everybody, he was a friend of everybody,” said an employee at Setters. Let us hold his family and all those who knew and loved Ronnie in our prayers. “I have come that they may have life and have it more abundantly.” (John 10:10) PRAYER OF REMEMBRANCE: God of the sorrowing, we pray for family and friends of Ronnie who have been touched by his death. Wipe away the tears from their eyes. May they who mourn be comforted by the fact that nothing can separate them from your love. For Ronnie death came as a thief in the night. We trust that he is now experiencing new life in your kingdom. From this tragedy may we find strength and courage to work against the violence that seeks to destroy families, neighborhoods and the world itself. As people of faith, we commend this brother of ours into your hands. Amen. SCRIPTURE: Isaiah 43: 1-3a-4 Thus says the Lord, who created you and formed you: Fear not, for I have redeemed you; I have called you by name; you are mine. When you pass through the water, I will be with you; in the rivers you shall not drown. When you walk through fire, you shall not be burned; the flames shall not consume you. For I am the Lord, your God ... you are precious in my eyes and glorious, and because I love you ... PETITIONS: Let us remember Ronnie, those who loved him and all victims of violence. We acknowledge their deep pain and grief. They are a part of our human community and they need our love and help towards healing. Let us remember those who perpetuate violence and their families who also suffer. We acknowledge the need for both justice and mercy. Let us remember all those who work to keep our city and communities safe. We acknowledge their need for wisdom and courage in their efforts to fulfill their call of service for all. Let us remember people throughout the world who suffer violence and death, especially the people of Ukraine and other worn-torn countries. We acknowledge that we are all brothers and sisters in our common home who need to care for one another. We make these prayers in the name of Jesus Christ who shed his blood so that all might know the love and mercy of God.
Chendo Lamont (BJ) Burford, Juan Moore, Lesha Owens, Turell Justice and Anthony Render – 2022
March 31, 2022
As March ends, we remember 5 persons whose lives ended by gun violence during this month. March 2, Chendo Lamont (BJ) Burford, 26; March 3, Juan Moore, 25; March 6, Lesha Owens, 24 and Turell Justice, 35 (both shot at a traffic light); Anthony Render, 47 (shot on the 26th and died on the 28th). We hold them, their loved ones and all victim of violence – including those in Ukraine in our thoughts and prayers. (Prayer & Scripture, Barbara Mosley, Omega Baptist) PRAYER: Heavenly Father, we ask today that you bind up the wounds of all who suffer from gun violence: those who were aggressive in these acts (perpetrators), those left alone to grieve, and those who struggle to get through one more day. We realize that every moment of our brief life is known by you! For our loved ones, for our neighbors, for strangers and those known to you – make us instruments of your peace. For our government, for our world leaders, for safety personnel and all authority figures – make us instruments of your peace. Lastly, your word in Hebrews 12:14 [reminds us]: Make every effort to live in peace with everyone and to be holy; without holiness no one will see the Lord. Amen. SCRIPTURE The Lord is my rock, my fortress, and my Savior, my God, my rock in whom I find protection. He is my shield, the strength of my salvation, my stronghold. But in my distress I cried out to the Lord; yes, I prayed to my God for help, He heard me from his sanctuary; my cry reached his ears. (Psalm 18:26-27, NIV translation) REFLECTION: What phrase in this Psalm speaks to me as if I were a parent, a spouse, a sibling, a friend who lost one of these victims (or a loved one in Ukraine) to violence? Pray the Psalm again with the mind/heart of that person. RECONCILIATION PRAYER (Sister Carol Orf, CPPS – O’Fallon) God, teach us to live the Gospel of Reconciliation… Where there is hurt, We encourage forgiveness, not revenge Where there is brokenness, We seek healing, not division. In times of distress, We promote harmony, not discord. In this world, We desire to live as friends, not enemies. And to be Reconciliation, We live a life of humility, not arrogance. We seek this gift in the name of Jesus, Who suffered and died so that “all may be one.”
Destiny Davis – 2022
March 1, 2022
During the month of February we lost one person to homicidal violence: Destiny Davis, 19. She leaves one son and many grieving family members. Destiny's funeral was held in Lima, Ohio, though she and some family have been living here in Dayton. She will be remembered during our ANNUAL MEMORIAL this coming Saturday, March 5th on Facebook Live beginning at 12:00 noon. The service will be coming from the chapel of the Sisters of the Precious Blood (Salem Heights). Joining in our memorial will be members from the World House Choir. Please join us on Facebook.com/CHPVDayton and invite others to pray with us for homicide victims from March 2021 to March 5th of 2022.
Johnny A. Fleming, Darryl Dean, Marty Powers, Emily Warrell, Brandon Cooper – 2022
February 1, 2022
At the end of December we reported no homicides. However 2 deaths had occurred in Trotwood on December 16th — that of Trinity Elam, 3, and her father. An ongoing investigation was initiated. The coroner ruled their shooting deaths as a murder/suicide (DDN, 1-29-22). We can only imagine the grief the family continues to experience. As the month of January ends so have the lives of the following persons: January 2: Johnny A. Fleming, 43, killed in the area of Sumac Ct. and Majestic Dr. January 4: Darryl Dean, 62 and Marty Powers, 29 on Randolph St. near Lakeview. January 13: Emily Warrell, 40, Patterson near Stewart, being investigated as homicide. January 26: Brandon Cooper, 35, Lyft driver, shot to death in his car on Ferguson Ave. Let us pray for each of them as well as their families, friends, and all who loved them. SPECIAL NOTE: Our annual memorial prayer service for victims and families will be held on Facebook Live, Saturday, March 5th beginning at 12:00 noon. It will be hosted at Salem Heights, central house of the Sisters of the Precious Blood. Joining in the remembrance will be members of the World House Choir. Please mark your calendars and join us at: Facebook.com/CHPVDayton PRAYER: God of the sorrowing, we pray for family and friends of Trinity Elam, Johnny Fleming, Darryl Dean, Marty Powers and Brandon Cooper. May you wipe away the tears from their eyes. May they be comforted by the fact that nothing can separate them from your love. For each victim death came as a thief in the night. We trust that they are now experiencing new life in your kingdom. From these tragic deaths may we find the courage to overcome the violence that seeks to destroy families and neighborhoods. We make this prayer trusting in the power of Jesus’ Precious Blood shed for all humankind. Amen. SCRIPTURE: Lamentations 3: 22-24. The favors of the Lord are not exhausted, His mercies are not spent. They are renewed each morning, so great is his faithfulness. My portion is the Lord, says my soul; therefore will I hope in him. REFLECTION: What word or phrase most speaks to me? PERSONAL PRAYER FOR: VICTIMS, FAMILIES/ LOVED ONES, PERPETRATORS, POLICE, NEIGHBORHOODS, AND AN END TO ALL FORMS OF VIOLENCE THROUGHOUT OUR WORLD. LORD, MAKE US INSTRUMENTS OF YOUR PEACE
Let us be grateful for all those departments and personnel who make it a priority to keep us safe – 2022
January 4, 2022
Gratefully there have not been any official homicide rulings this last month of 2021. From January 2021 to December 31, 2021, we have had a total of 35 homicides in Dayton proper, Trotwood, Harrison and Jefferson Townships. There were 52 reported during that period of 2020. Unlike many cities, our local communities have seen a decrease. Let us be grateful for all those departments and personnel who make it a priority to keep us safe. Sadly, as of January 2, one homicide has occurred. During a prayer service held by our Sisters on December 31, the following reflection was a reminder of how Christmas continues. The work of Christmas begins: When the carols have been stilled, When the star-topped tree is taken down, When family and friends are gone home, When we are back to our schedules. The work of Christmas begins: To welcome the refugee, To heal a broken planet, To feed the hungry, To build bridges of trust, not walls of fear, To share our gifts, To seek justice and peace for all people, To bring Christ's light to the world. May Christmas be in our hearts and lives throughout this New Year!
Azarion Melvin, Traci Taylor, Ritchie Moorfield and Tykwon Washington – 2021
December 3, 2021
There were empty places at Thanksgiving dinners this year. The following persons no longer shared special meals and laughter with their families and friends: Azarion Melvin, 14, found shot to death on Oct. 31; Traci Taylor, 49, was deliberately run over on Nov. 3; Ritchie Moorfield, 26, lost his life on Nov. 4; Tykwon Washington, 22, died of a bullet to his head on Nov. 7. Grief always seems compounded when loved ones die near holidays. With Christmas approaching, this is especially true for the families of these victims. And so we pray. VIGIL PRAYER: God of the sorrowing, we pray for the family and friends of Azarion, Traci, Ritchie and Tykwon who have been touched by tragic death. May you wipe away the tears from their eyes and comfort them by the knowledge that nothing can separate them from your love. We trust that Azarion, Traci, Ritchie and Tykwon are now experiencing new life in your kingdom. Let us not become indifferent to the loss of life caused by acts of senseless violence. May we be instruments of peace in building a world based on respect and care for all our brothers and sisters. SCRIPTURE: REVELATIONS 21:4-6 [God] will wipe every tear from their eyes, and there shall be no more death or mourning, wailing or pain, [for] the old order has passed away. The one who sat on the throne said, “Behold, I make all things new.” Then he said, “Write these words down, for they are trustworthy and true.” REFLECTION: How do these words resonate with me during this season of Advent? For what do I wait? For what do I hope? How is Jesus the reason for my hope? PRAYER OF ST. FRANCIS: Make me a channel of your peace. Where there is hatred, let me bring your love. Where there is injury, your pardon, Lord, and where there’s doubt, true faith in you. Make me a channel of your peace. Where there’s despair in life let me bring hope. Where there is darkness only light, and where there’s sadness ever joy. O Master, grant that I may never seek, so much to be consoled as to console, to be understood as to understand, to be loved as to love with all my soul. Make me a channel of your peace. It is in pardoning that we are pardoned. In giving of ourselves that we receive, and in dying that we’re born to eternal life.
Faith Guffey, Bruce Davis and John Canfalone – 2021
November 1, 2021
We remember: Faith Guffey, 25, shot to death; found on porch of abandoned house on Oct. 11, Caho St. near Nassau St. Bruce Davis, 40, shot to death on Oct. 15, Otis Dr., Harrison Twp. John Canfalone, 65, found dead Oct. 15 on Blanche Ave. after police did a welfare check; may have been dead several days; being investigated as a homicide. PRAYER OF REMEMBERANCE OPENING PRAYER: God of the sorrowing, we pray for family and friends of Faith, Bruce and John who have been touched by tragic deaths. May you wipe away the tears from their eyes. May those who mourn be comforted by the fact that nothing can separate them from your love. For Faith, Bruce and John death came as a thief in the night. We trust that they are now experiencing new life in your kingdom. From these tragedies may we find strength to battle the violence that seeks to destroy families and neighborhoods. As people of faith, we commend this sister and brothers of ours into your hands. Amen. SCRIPTURE: ISIAH 43: 1-3a - 4 Thus says the Lord, who created you and formed you: Fear not, for I have redeemed you; I have called you by name; you are mine. When you pass through the water, I will be with you; in the rivers you shall not drown. When you walk through fire, you shall not be burned; the flames shall not consume you. For I am the Lord, your God ... you are precious in my eyes and glorious, and because I love you ... REFLECTION: Imagine God whispering these words to those who have died. INTERCESSIONS: (Response: Lord, hear our prayer) For Faith, Bruce and John, that they may be enjoying God’s presence, we pray LORD ... For the family, and friends of Faith, Bruce and John that God will heal their grief, we pray LORD ... For neighborhoods that have experienced violence, that God will bring them together as true neighbors, we pray LORD ... For the perpetrators that they will find both justice and mercy, we pray LORD ... For law enforcement personnel that in their search for justice God will guide them and keep them safe, we pray LORD ... For ourselves that we may actively pursue lives of non-violence we pray, LORD ... We make these prayers in the name of Jesus Christ who shed his blood so that all might know the love and mercy of God. Amen.