Manchester tragedy
I am sure that anyone who has seen the mountain of reporting in relation to the atrocity committed against the people who were attending the Ariana Grande concert in Manchester will have been saddened, angered and appalled by the events that took place. Most of us cannot begin to imagine the trauma that the people who witnessed this atrocity must be going through. The trauma will be wide ranging and include the bereaved, the injured, the emergency services and indeed, all the people of Manchester and the United Kingdom.
It saddens me greatly that many such atrocities are committed ‘in the name of God!’ This is not the God that I know! The vast majority of religious people know that God is a God of love and of peace. God weeps with those who weep. He feels the pain of those who suffer, physically or emotionally. God and his people offer love and compassion to the people of Manchester and to all of those around the world who suffer at the hands of evil people.
We must pray for our world that is so troubled, and particularly at this time, for the people of Manchester. I would like to share the following prayer that I found on the Diocese of Manchester website.
God of compassion,
you hear the cries of all who are in trouble or distress;
accept our prayers for those whose lives are affected by the bombing in Manchester;
We pray especially for those suddenly facing a future without a child,
parent or loved one,
young ones who are in deep distress
those who are injured, traumatized or awaiting news
strengthen them in their hour of need,
grant them perseverance and courage to face the future
and be to them a firm foundation on which to build their lives;
this we ask through Jesus Christ our Lord.
Amen
May we all strive for love and peace in our homes, our school, our community, our city, our country, and our world!
God bless.
Reverend Dave.