O Gracious God, our hearts are heavy in sorrow for the 50 who died in Orlando at the hands of one who had hate in his heart. May those who died in Orlando through your mercy, O God, rest in peace and rise in glory and may your love and compassion enfold those who love and mourn for them. May your healing presence be with the injured and their families. May your grace be upon the first responders, the law enforcement agencies, the grief counselors, those who are donating blood, and for all those who have responded from a need to do something to help. We pray for the LGBTQ community in Orlando (and throughout the US), reeling from this horrific outburst of hatred and fear, and all those who are feeling vulnerable in the wake of this act of terror. We pray for our nation that we refuse to give into fear. That we return love for hate, light for darkness, reason for panic, acceptance for rejection. And in the aftermath of this tragedy, may we stand grounded in our sure and certain knowledge of the Resurrection, for we are disciples of Jesus, and as such, people of hope and love. Amen.
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