August 28, 2020
This has been a week of violence. In Dayton we remember Nascia Goodwin, 18, shot to death on Germantown Street at Gard Ave. on Aug. 26. Also, this week, one-month old Averi Groban died of blunt force trauma in West Carrollton. Taprice Goodwin and Ariana Middlebrook, both 27, were shot to death in Riverside. Nationally, Jacob Blake, a Black man was severely wounded/impaired at the hands of police – another victim of racial injustice. Associated with that event were the deaths of two men killed at a peaceful protest by a white teenager. In all of this I keep thinking of John 11:33-35 “Jesus wept” at the death of Lazarus and the anguish of his loved ones. That anguish is being shared by so many at this time including ourselves. PRAYER 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. 1 Thessalonians 4:13-15 We would have you be clear about those who sleep in death, brothers [and sisters]; otherwise you might yield to grief like those who have no hope. For if we believe that Jesus died and rose God will bring forth with him from the dead those who have fallen asleep believing in him. PETITIONS: Response: Lord, hear our prayer Compassionate God, we ask • That Nascia’s soul rest peacefully in your arms and that her loved ones know your peace and compassion, we pray….. • That each family touched by this week’s tragedies finds peace and healing, we pray… • That Jacob Blake may gain strength as he begins the long road to recover, we pray… • That perpetrators be brought to justice and seek forgiveness from you and all those whose lives they have shattered, we pray…. • That police officers exercise their responsibilities with wisdom, justice and fairness, we pray…. • That racial justice be promoted throughout our country and our world, we pray…. PRAYER God of life, source of hope, the violence within our world, our communities, our families, indeed our very selves is destroying your creation. Make still the restless spirit within me that is self-seeking. Stir within my heart a renewed spirit of reverence, respect and reconciliation. In union with the Precious Blood of Jesus give me the strength to break the cycle of violence by realizing that peace begins with me. Amen.