This morning, I would like to offer a prayer:

For the victims of the Virginia Tech massacre, their families, and their friends - may they find comfort and healing in the Lord.

For the gunman - may he find relief from the mental illness that caused him to commit these dreadful acts.

For the gunman's family - may they find a way to go on with their lives in light of all that has happened.

For those who seek to right this terrible wrong - may they turn to forgiveness and not revenge.

For those who saw the signs but failed to recognize their severity - may they not blame themselves but learn to be more observant without becoming obsessive in their future diagnoses.

For all of us - may we be brought closer together as a family of human beings in a world that sees too much violence.

May we become more tolerant of our differences.

May we practice goodness and mercy in place of arrogance and disdain.

May we stop and appreciate the world around us and all that is beautiful within it.

May we come to know each other better, for anger arises from a fear of the unknown.

May we remember that we are all God's children, brothers and sisters, descended from Adam and Eve.

In Jesus' name I pray,
Amen

April 21, 2007