October 3, 2020
The body of Jarvis Collins, 36, was found on the Great Miami River Trail in Harrison Twp. on September 17th. It is possible that his body was dumped there after he was fatally shot. His funeral was held on September 30th. We hold him and all those who knew and loved him in our prayers. SCRIPTURE: Isiah 40: 28-29; 31 Do you not know or have you not heard? The Lord is an 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… They that hope in the Lord will renew their strength; they will soar with eagles’ wings. They will run and not grow weary, walk and not grow faint. PETITIONS: Lord, hear our prayer. • For Jarvis Collins, killed needlessly, we ask for peace Lord ... • For his family and friends, we pray that you heal their grief Lord ... • For the perpetrators that they will know both justice and mercy Lord ... • For our world experiencing so much loss and grief because of violence and the Coronavirus Lord ... • For those who work for our safety and well-being as essential workers, first responders and those behind the scenes who fulfill so many needs Lord ... • For those most in need of our prayers whoever and wherever they may be Lord ... PRAYER: God of life, every act of violence in our world, in our communities, against others destroys a part of your creation. Stir in our hearts a renewed sense of reverence for all life. Give us the vision to recognize your Spirit in every human being. Make possible the impossible by cultivating in us the fertile seed of healing love. May we play our part in breaking the cycle of violence by realizing that peace begins with each of us. Amen.