prayer for virginia tech

Oh Lord, our father, our hope,
You are the giver of life
and the author of everything good!
Nothing is out of your hand;
nobody is farther than your reach.
We know this to be true,
and because it is
we cannot grasp how broadly this reality pains us,
how widely it reaches,
how long it will take to heal,
how deeply it penetrates.
We turn to you, and we long for understanding,
for comfort,
for peace.
Lord, you are known around the world.
We are comforted by those who cry out with us.
We praise you in faith, even while we weep.
We remind our souls that you know loss,
that you have felt the sting of grief and pain.
Your mightiness never separates you
from lonely and broken hearts.
Your greatness never ignores
our weakness and need.
Even when we have no strength,
Great Shepherd, lift us up and carry us.
We believe, help our unbelief.
Cause us to proclaim that nothing - nothing - will separate us
from your love,
the love which is power,
the power that surpasses our knowledge and understanding.
In your infinate ability, comfort and restore.
Bless and keep.
Cover us and hold us safe.
For you are true,
and you can do this,
and you have done this
through the pain of generations before us
and through all of our hours
in your Christ,
amen.