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
Danielle and her family, Allison and Jim, Gabrielle and her family – 2021
Jovan Patterson and Joseph Nicholson – 2021
September 30, 2021
As September comes to a close, we remember: Jovan Patterson, 31, shot to death on Sept. 2 and Joseph Nicholson, 43, shot on Sept. 26 and died of his wounds on Sept. 29. These unexpected and violent deaths leave behind grieving family and friends. The prayer offered here is given to us from Barbara Mosley of Omega Baptist Church. Heavenly Father, you said that we must not avenge ourselves, but we must leave it to the wrath of God because vengeance is yours and you will repay. (Romans 12:19) Because of your holy and righteous word, we pray for the perpetrators involved in these senseless shootings. May they seek your forgiveness. Father, we are lifting up special prayers for Javon and Joseph that their souls find rest in you. We also pray for those they left behind who mourn their loss. We ask that you provide comfort and peace of mind to their families, friends and loved ones during this time of grief and beyond. You are the God of refuge in times of trouble. Amen.
Amy Yates family & friends – 2021
George Smith, Virgil Pack, Jonaven Reddick and Hueston Tigner – 2021
August 26, 2021
As August moves toward its completion, we remember 4 men whose lives were lost to gun violence this month. George Smith, 45, was shot in the head on July 26th on Gerhard St. and died on Aug. 10. Virgil Pack, 42, was killed on Aug. 19 at Eagle Ridge Apartments. Circumstances are still being investigated. Jonaven Reddick, 26, was shot and killed near 3rd and Gettysburg on Aug 19. Hueston Tigner, 23, died of several gunshot wounds on Aug. 22, Gramont Ave. Let us not grow indifferent to these deaths for life is a gift not to be taken from them by the hands of others. Loving and merciful God, receive our prayers for George, Virgil, Jonaven, Hueston, their families and all those who are hurting because of these untimely deaths. May the love and peace of your Son Jesus Christ console them and may harmony be restored and justice be served. May the fruit of justice and charity reign in every family and neighborhood throughout our community. We pray in Jesus’ name and in the power of His Precious Blood. Amen. Scripture Reading: Lamentations 3:21-24 But I will call this to mind, as my reason to have hope: 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. Personal Reflection Petitions: (Response LORD, HEAR OUR PRAYER) For George, Virgil, Jonaven and Hueston may they be experiencing the joy and peace of heaven ... For the family and friends of George, Virgil, Jonaven and Hueston may they have faith that they will see them again ... For all whose lives have been cut short through violence, may they be at home with the Good Shepherd ... For neighborhoods affected by violence, may peace come to them ... For those who took the lives of George, Virgil, Jonaven and Hueston, may they find both justice and mercy ... For law enforcement personnel who seek to make our city safe often at the risk of their own lives, may they be protected ... For each of us, may we do whatever we can to end the scourge of violence ... Closing Prayer: God of life, source of hope, the violence within our world, our communities, our families, indeed our very selves, is destroying your creation. In union with the Precious Blood of Jesus, give us the strength to break the cycle of violence, To hear the cry of the blood and make sacred again your earth stained by blood. Amen.
Kevin L. Hughes, Inyah Ford and Jajuan Olden – 2021
July 30, 2021
Here we are at the end of July and, once again, we remember the fragility of life experienced through the pandemic of violence. The victims we are holding in prayer are: July 4: KEVIN L. HUGHES, 37, whose shot and burned body was found in a wooded area between N. Riverview Ave. and Wolf Creek July 5: INYAH FORD, 13, an innocent by-stander shot while at a birthday party on Kipling Dr. July 26: JAJUAN OLDEN, 17, whose gun-related death on Rockford Ave. is still being investigated The loss of life must be especially difficult for the family and friends of those who died so young. We remember them and pray for their healing. VIGIL PRAYER Loving God, you are the author and sustainer of life. You know the anguish of the sorrowful, you are attentive to the prayers of the broken-hearted. Hear your people who cry out to you in their need; strengthen their hope in your lasting goodness. SCRIPTURE: Isaiah 40:28-31 Do you not know or have you not heard? The Lord is the eternal God, creator of the ends of the earth. He does not faint nor grow weary, and his knowledge is beyond scrutiny. He gives strength to the fainting; for the weak he makes vigor abound. Though the [young] stagger and fall, they that hope in the Lord will renew their strength, they will soar as with eagles’ wings; they will run and not grow weary, walk and not grow faint. What hope do I find in this passage? PETITIONS: We pray for Kevin, Inyah and JaJuan who met death so suddenly and violently, grant them peace. We pray for their parents, relatives and friends who mourn their deaths, grant them comfort. We pray for the perpetrators of this violence, grant them justice and mercy. We pray for those who work diligently to bring safety and justice to our communities, grant them guidance and protection. We pray for our world which embraces a culture of mistrust, fear, death and disregard for the dignity of all life, grant us all a change of heart. Other prayers ... PRAYER TO END VIOLENCE: God of life, source of hope, the violence within our world, our communities, our families, indeed in our very selves, is destroying your creations. In union with the Precious Blood of Jesus, give us the strength to break the cycle of violence, to hear the cry of the blood, and make sacred again your earth stained by blood. Amen.
LaJuan Black, Mizette Printup, Daniel Burch – 2021
July 6, 2021
Last month we remembered: LaJuan Black, 31, shot to death on Wentworth Avenue. The obituary did not contain any family information; funeral was held June 25th. Mizette Printup, 24, died several days after having been shot on Notre Dame Avenue. Daniel Burch, 31, shot to death on Lexington Avenue. The perpetrators in all of these have been found. While we remember the loss of each life and the grieving family members, let us also pray for the men and women investigators who work the cases and who inform/console the family members. PRAYER: Compassionate God, you are the author and sustainer of our lives. You know the anguish of the sorrowful, you are attentive to the prayers of the brokenhearted. Hear your people who cry out to you in their need; strengthen their hope in your lasting goodness. May hate be replaced with love, violence with peace and darkness with your light. Amen. SCRIPTURE: Isaiah 40:6-9; 10-11 A voice says, “Cry out!” I answer, “What shall I cry out?” All humankind is grass and all their glory like the flower of the field. The grass withers, the flower wilts, when the breath of the Lord blows upon it. [So then, the people is the grass.] Though the grass withers and flor wilts, the word of our God stands forever.” ... Here comes with power the Lord God ... Like a shepherd he feeds his flock; in his arms he gathers the lambs, carrying them in his bosom and leading the ewes with care. PETITIONS: For LaJuan, Mizette, and Daniel who met death so suddenly and violently, may they be at peace. For each of their families and all who grieve their loss, may they find comfort. For the perpetrators, may their hearts be changed and may they know both justice and mercy. For police officers and all who seek to bring safety to our communities, may they be persons of integrity and may they be protected in their service. For an end to violence in our community, our country, our world, may all people come to know one another as brothers and sisters in our common home. We make these prayers trusting in the power and love of God to hear our cries. Amen.
Amy D Yates – 2021
July 6, 2021
Hey it's James your Best Friend and I'm so sorry your not here with us now and I will always feel so responsible for what happened but I know I will see you again when it's my time to go but the guilt and grief 😔 I have because I feel things I did and said lead to him ending ur life and I'll never forgive myself even though u would want me to but my dream I warned you about was true and I think God showed it to me for a reason but ur always on my mind and in my heart but thank you for 27 years together as my childhood friend and my girlfriend on and off alot we had something special and that will always remain even in heaven and I can't wait to see you again my Blue eyed Angel
Kirby Shoffner, Shanika Bogan, Kameron D. Dewberry, J’Yon Kolby-Lee Manson-Coleman, Wayne Bowman, Jacob Osborne, Bart Adkins and Adrian Cook – 2021
May 28, 2021
May has been a tragic month for many families in our community and nation. Let us not become insensitive to the loss of life occurring through local violence and mass shootings throughout our country. Let us remember each brother and sister and all who mourn the loss of their loved ones. Kirby Shoffner, 25, was shot on April 27 on Leland Ave. and taken off life-support on May 1. Shanika Bogan, 31, was murdered by an acquaintance on Uhrig Ave. between 9 pm on April 30 and 5:30 am on May 1. Her two children, ages 10 and 4, were in the home at the time of her death but thankfully did not witness it. Kameron D. Dewberry, 18, was shot multiple times on Hudson Ave./Rustic Rd. by another 18 year-old and died on May 8. He was born in Lima, OH and buried in Lima. His parents reside in Dayton. J’Yon Kolby-Lee Manson-Coleman, 15, was shot to death in Harrison Twp. An article in DDN on May 19 featured great-grandmother Mary Cook who helped raise him. The article expressed her grief and her insight into the cause of violence among youth. J’Yon is survived by his father, grandparents and 7 siblings. Wayne Bowman, 57, was shot to death on Xenia Ave. near S. Keowee St. on May 16. May be “Stand your Ground” situation. Jacob Osborne, 22, was shot to death on Hamilton Ave. Bart Adkins, 61, was stabbed to death near Troy Food Market, May 16; may be self defense. Adrian Cook, 19, was shot to death on May 17 at a gas station on Germantown St.
Kameron D. O’Berry, Michael L. Brown, Brian Jacobs – 2021
April 29, 2021
Throughout the month of March until April 18th we were blessed with no homicides to which we would have responded. Since then three persons have lost their lives to gun violence: April 18th Kameron D. O’Berry, 16 years old; Michael L. Brown, 63 (separate incidents); April 20th, Brian Jacobs, 51. Let us not become insensitive to these acts of violence. Let us remember the pain and sorrow of those who are left behind. Our prayer for this month’s victims was prepared for us by Barbara Mosley of Omega Baptist Church. PRAYER Heavenly Father, we ask today that you bind up the wounds of all who suffer from gun violence. Those who were aggressive in this act (perpetrator(s), 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 governments, for our world leaders, for safety personnel and all authority figures – Make us instruments of your peace. Lastly, your word says in Hebrew 12:14: Make every effort to live in peace with everyone and to be holy, without holiness no one will see the Lord. Amen DECREES FOR MY CITY I decree peace within the streets of my city (Deut. 20:10) I decree that every assignment of violence and murder in my city will be broken (Ps. 55:9) I decree that the river of God is flowing in my city (Ps. 46:4) I decree that the voice of the Lord is heard in my city (Ps. 29:3) I decree that the city belongs to Jesus, the great King (Ps. 29:3) I decree that the Lord defends my city (Isa 37:35) I decree that the businesses in my city flourish like the grass of the earth (Ps. 72:16) I decree that the Lord is watching over my city (Ps.127:1) I decree that the Lord shall not forsake my city (Isa. 62:12) I decree that the power of God is released in my city I decree that a multitude of people will be saved in my city (Acts 18:10) I decree that God is the builder and maker of my city (Heb 11:10)
Amy Yates, Andrew Hogan, Marco Rutledge – 2021
February 27, 2021
Amy Yates, 36 years old, was a stabbing victim in a murder-suicide. Her body was found on January 31, approximately a week after her death. Andrew Hogan, 25 years old, was shot to death in an altercation with Trotwood Police. Both an internal investigation and, in the effort to be transparent, another one is being conducted by Ohio Bureau of Criminal Investigations. Marco Rutledge, 23 years old, was found shot to death in his vehicle on February 13. (February’s prayer was prepared by Sister Marita Beumer.) Today we gather to pray together for our community members who have lost their lives through violence and for their families, friends and our community Let us Pray Loving and Merciful God, we are grateful for your presence here with us and with everyone at all times. We praise you for your faithfulness to us, our families, neighborhoods and world. We ask you to be with the families and friends of Amy, Andrew and De Marco, shielding them in peace and compassion. We beg that we be freed from violence in our hearts, our homes, our neighborhoods as we rely on Your Grace to lead us through these trying times. Be with us at this time of prayer, leading us on this journey to reconciliation. We ask this through Your Holy Spirit in Jesus’ name. AMEN Scripture Reading: Luke 11:29-34 “While still more people gathered in the crowd, Jesus said to them, ‘This generation seeks a sign, but no sign will be given it except the sign of Jonah. Just as Jonah became a sign to the Ninevites, so will the Son of God be to this generation. At the judgment the Queen of the south will rise with this generation and she will condemn them because she came from the end of the earth to hear the words of Solomon, and there is something greater than Solomon here. At the judgment the Ninevites will arise with this generation, because of the preaching of Jonah, they repented. And there is something greater than Jonah here.’” Reflection We gather together again, even if it is virtual, as the people of Nineveh, recognizing the loss among us with these homicides as well as the evil that we experience in the world around us. As we reflect on this alone or with others, we ask ourselves: During this Lent, how are we experiencing Jesus’ message and that of Jonah, as a time to move from darkness to new light? What is giving me hope of new life in my family, neighborhood, city, country or world? Petitions and Yours also We Pray to Our Loving God: For Amy, Andrew and De Marco, May the Precious Blood of Jesus purify them and give them Life For the family and friends of Amy, Andrew and De Marco, May the Precious Blood of Jesus heal them and give them strength For this hurting community, for those who have lost loved ones and for all victims of (struggling) For the perpetrators and those engaged in violence, Lord Jesus, through the power of Your Precious Blood open their hearts to You and to a change of life For our police and first responders, May the Precious Blood of Jesus, strengthen them while they are protecting us For all of us here at the Homicide Vigil, our families, our city and our world, and those affected by the pandemic, May the Precious Lord Jesus direct us to be reconcilers, filling us with compassion and peace Pause and Pray Our Father…. Prayer to End Violence: God of life, source of hope, the violence within our world, our communities, our families, indeed in our very selves, is destroying your creation. In union with the Precious Blood of Jesus, give us the strength to break the cycle of violence, to hear the cry of the blood, and make sacred again your earth stained by blood. Amen. (Reminder: Annual Memorial Prayer Vigil – Zoom: March 6th 12:00 noon. To register, click here: https://us02web.zoom.us/meeting/register/tZwocOmgqT4jG9ajRUys-GBFQugmsgGha5iq)
Anjelica Marie Ramey and Jadorian Glass – 2021
January 23, 2021
We have lost two more young persons to violence. Anjelica Marie Ramey, 27 years old and mother of 5, was shot to death on January 11th. Jadorian Glass, 17 was shot to death on Sunday, January 17 while sitting outside after work. Both leave grieving families behind. Please hold them in your prayers.