My heart is crying for our broken world, for the broken bodies in Boston, for the broken minds of those who resorted to violence in hopes they would feel better. Spirit of Life, console the family of those young men in this time of grief.

Spirit of Life, God, Divine Universe: we pray that those killed are at peace. As we hold in our hearts the sorrows of our community, may we also hold in our hearts those injured along with their families, knowing the road now before them is long and painful, and their questions may remain unanswered. We pray for Boston, and for West, Texas: their trauma will take time to heal.

May we draw from the events of this week a reminder to hold our beloved family and friends close to us; to stretch our hands out to our neighbors; to let our compassionate gaze softly meet a stranger’s; to acknowledge the suffering we pass on the street.

Love for what is good in this world must guide us, even amidst the shock and dismay that course through us. This is what we need – love and compassion when things go horribly wrong.

May we find the strength to stretch ourselves in these trying times: to practice love every moment and with every person we can manage because our love matters. Amen.