We Live in a Broken and Fearful World
“You shall love your neighbor as yourself. There is no other commandment greater than these.” – (Mark 12:31)
Presbyterians have been called to pray for the people of Norway in the aftermath of the bombing in Oslo and the shootings on Utoya Island. A prayer, “We Live in a Broken and Fearful World,” is now available on the PCUSA website. There is also a prayer for the people of Norway and for all victims of violence and terror at the The World Council of Churches Facebook page.
This attack, and all such acts of violence, violates God’s image in God’s precious children. We pray for the people, including many young people, who were killed and for the family and friends who grieve for them. We ask God to work healing in the people who were wounded and to comfort and strengthen the people of Norway as they come to terms with this tragedy. Our prayers will join the prayers of people of many faiths around the world.
In our grief, horror, and outrage, we pray that God will lead the peoples and nations of the world to overcome violence and that God will “guide our feet into the way of peace” (Luke 1:79).