The shockwaves of the assassination of Charlie Kirk continue reverberating across the USA and around the world. I deeply lament this violence and pray for his grieving widow and her children. I am waiting for some time to pass before I place Charlie and his work in historical perspective. I am mourning persecution of nearly 400 million Christian around the world. I am praying for peace in the Middle East and Ukraine. I am lamenting and calling out antisemitism. At the same time, I am hopeful, because there are signs of genuine spiritual awakening – especially among young adults – that antedate these recent events and point to a positive longing for love and truth in Christ. I am rejoicing in the thousands of local churches and millions of Christians doing good every day.
In this brief essay, I want to share some recent public prayers that I hope will inspire reflection and repentance, hope and holy love. Here are the first ones, beginning with a traditional cry for mercy:
Kyrie Eleison. Lord, have mercy.Christ, have mercy.
Come Holy Spirit and bring comfort to the grieving.
Almighty God, when we have no words, you receive our inarticulate groans and sighs. Here us now, O Lord.
Amen.
Another cri de couer:
Lord, have mercy. Christ, have mercy.
We pray for all the hurting, seen and unseen.
We pray for the ones that anger us the most.
Have mercy and draw us all to the Cross, where divine love and justice perfectly unite. Thank you for recording our tears on your scroll. In our lament, we find hope in your mercy. Amen.
A call for contemplation and activism:
Lord God,
Help my history teach me humility and my hope remove all shame. May I remember your mighty deeds and leave behind all you have forgiven. May your divine design in creation and new creation join with your glorious destiny and empower a life of holy love and fruitful service. Receive my prayers and bless the works of my imperfect hands. In Jesus Name, Amen.
For reflection: As we pray, may we begin with our own hearts, welcoming transformation of our affections and motives, and liberation from hidden fears and prejudices. When we first weep and pray for those that anger us the most, we are building a foundation for positive impact that will live beyond us.