(or 18 November) for those who have died through an act of murder or violence
Hear my cry, O God;
listen to my prayer.
Let those who have died through murder or act of violence abide in your tent for ever,
find refuge under the shelter of your wings. (cf Psalm 61)
They took Jesus; and carrying the cross by himself, he went out to what is called The Place of the Skull, which in Hebrew is called Golgotha. There they crucified him, and with him two others, one on either side, with Jesus between them. from John 19
Death by murder or an act of violence causes the victim to suffer physical and mental agonies – of wounds inflicted to their body and mind. They are denied any chance of making peace with loved ones – and their loved ones of making peace with them. Those left behind are traumatised by inquests and trials – and the imaginings of what the victim endured in those last moments of their life.
A minute of silence.
We pray for those who have died as an act of murder or violence –
(especially Nxxxx – name of someone you know)
their families, their friends and all affected by their deaths.
Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.
We pray for the police, ambulance crews and other first responders who face the reality of human violence.
We pray also for those involved in the judicial system as they seek to bring justice for the one who died.
Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.
God of tenderness,
we trust to your promise that you yourself with be with those how have died
and with those who mourn
and will wipe every tear from their eyes;
that death will be no more;
and mourning and crying and pain will be no more. cf Revelation 21: 3-4
Trusting in your mercy and love, we pray:
Eternal rest grant unto them, O Lord,
and let perpetual light shine upon them.
May they rest in peace.
Amen.
