The recent violence against Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders tragically crystalized this week as six Asian American women were among the eight victims of the shootings at massage parlors near Atlanta. Interim Executive Chip Hardwick shared this Prayer for the US Asian Community at the Detroit Presbytery meeting on 3/20/21. It was adapted from a prayer by Alden Solvy from the blog To Bend Light.
Oh people of conscience, cry out.
Cry out against hatred and anger.
Cry out against violence and oppression.
Cry out against the rising tide of brutality against our Asian American siblings.
Author of life, Source and Creator,
Grant a perfect rest under Your tabernacle of peace to the victims of the massacre n Atlanta, Georgia,
Whose lives were cut off by violence
In a rampage of aggression beyond understanding.
May their souls be bound up in the bond of life,
A living blessing in our midst.
May they rest in peace.
God of justice and mercy,
Remember the survivors and witnesses of these attacks,
Witnesses to shock, horror and dismay.
Ease their suffering and release their trauma so that they recover lives of joy and wonder.
Grant them Your shelter and solace,
blessing and renewal.
Look with favor, God of love,
Upon Asian American communities throughout the land,
And all communities targeted for violence.
Grant them Your protection.
Remember them with comfort and consolation.
Bless them with wholeness and healing.
Heavenly Guide,
Put an end to anger, hatred, and fear,
And lead us to a time when
No one will suffer at the hand of another,
Speedily, in our day. Amen.
Please find the original posting here: For the U.S. Asian Community – To Bend Light