By Steve Millington

We are called to rejoice with those who rejoice, and to mourn with those who mourn. Today we commemorate a day of national mourning. Let us pray.

God of compassion We come with hearts of sorrow Grieving for the loss of life and injuries suffered. Surround those distressed by this tragedy With a sense of your comforting love Though they may be lost in grief They may find you and be comforted

God of justice We come angry at the evil that has been done And like the Psalmist we cry out against wickedness [1][1]

Grant us your wisdom To know how to oppose and overthrow evil To work your reconciliation where we can And to honour you above all else

God of wonders We come trusting your supremacy over all You weave goodness from terrible happenings Come and make good come from this evil Where there is despair, bring hope Where there is suspicion and hatred, bring compassion And where there is pain, bring healing

God of peace We come surrendered to you You have asked us to take up our cross May we be your envoys of love May we be your envoys of hope May we be your envoys of faith And bring your wholesome peace to this ravaged world

So we stop for a moment to reflect and pray

After a minute’s silence

Lord we, like Paul and Silas singing hymns while imprisoned, now seek to worship you and adore you with word, song and the sacrifice of our lives. Accept this worship, in Jesus name.

Steve Millington