Keep Watch, Dear Lord

As we learn about the violence in San Bernardino, our first response is to go down on our knees and pray for those who have been killed or wounded. We pray for families and communities that are broken and scarred by senseless violence once again.

As disciples of Jesus, we are those who see the image of God in every human being. In the hours and days ahead, we learn more about what is already a profound tragedy. To underscore how close this travesty hits, I have learned from the Rev. Andrew Green that one of his parishioners from St. Paul-in-the-Desert, Palm Springs was present at the facility and is now safe.

There will be time to ponder the deeper implications and our response to this moment, but this night let us pray deeply that God may assuage the sorrows of those most harmed by today’s evil.

I wish you blessings and peace this night.

Keep watch, dear Lord, with those who work, or watch, or
weep this night, and give your angels charge over those who
sleep. Tend the sick, Lord Christ; give rest to the weary, bless
the dying, soothe the suffering, pity the afflicted, shield the
joyous; and all for your love’s sake. Amen.

Book of Common Prayer, 124