Lord, what difference does a year make? After hundreds of years of oppression, countless days of hate, an endless swath of violence over the course of human history, what difference does a year make? Are we wiser? Kinder? More just?
God of grace, I can only hope you are working in ways and through places and people I cannot always see. God of promise, I can only hope you are at work in me. God of creation and gathered fragments, I can only trust you are making all things new.
Lord, as we mark a year since the horror of the culmination of the summer of hate unleashed in Charlottesville, we pray your peace for those for whom these days bring forth unspeakable pain, unyielding fear and a relentless sense of loss. Comfort those who mourn. Protect the most vulnerable. Help us to uphold the fainthearted.
Lord, as the government officials enact a state of emergency and the police presence grows and hospitals have all their personnel on call, may people of faith and goodwill show up no less visibly and ready to respond to those in need. Pour out your Spirit upon those longing to demonstrate love of neighbor, justice for the least of these and care for the hurting. God of transformation, bring about a change of heart and mind in those who perpetrate violence and perpetuate hate.
Lord, as we mark this grim anniversary in Charlottesville, use these painful memories to motivate us all to relentlessly work for your will of unity, justice, peace and love. May your mercy abound in Charlottesville and for all your beloved creation. Amen.
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