Monday, April 15, 2013

My dearest God,

You are God of us all, every human being on the face of the earth.  Your love extends to the farthest reaches.  Nothing can hinder your love.

Each time I learn of bombings and violence against a people, I wonder how much hatred it takes to kill innocent people and for what ultimate purpose.  I wonder what justification anyone can have to engage in the destruction of human life.  Today's bombing in Boston reminds me how a single thread of evil can amass so much destructive force.  And while this bombing took place in my land, I am so aware of lands where bombing occurs regularly, where violence is part of daily living.  But then I think of how violence lives close to everyone's home in some way or another.

What will it take, O God, to break down the evil within us, the penchant for violence? As I pray for those touched by the outbreak of evil in Boston, I pray for peoples in the Middle East, in Africa, in India and in every home.

I am cognizant of the fact your love is still greater than evil.  Your grace can still wipe away sin in its vilest form.  Your mercy can heal every wounded heart.  Make us aware of you.  Reveal yourself to us.  Turn us toward you and finally toward one another.  Make us a new people, one family.

Great God,
maker of heaven
and earth,
heal your people,
I pray.
Take the
evil within
and remake it,
remake us.
Let your love
recreate us,
I pray.

Love, Andrea