Prayer for Orlando

The members of MAC - individuals, churches, denominations - are deeply grieved by the shooting in Orlando. We extend our heartfelt sympathy to the wounded and to the family and friends of the 49 people killed. We invite you to join us in praying the following prayer attributed to St. Francis of Assisi and offering a time of contemplative silence honoring those who died, inviting healing for those wounded, and welcoming peace for our hurting world.

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A Prayer attributed to St. Francis

Lord, make us instruments of your peace.

Where there is hatred, let us sow love;

where there is injury, pardon;

where there is discord, union;

where there is doubt, faith;

where there is despair, hope; where there is darkness, light;

where there is sadness, joy.

Grant that we may not so much seek to be consoled as to console;

to be understood as to understand;

to be loved as to love.

For it is in giving that we receive;

it is in pardoning that we are pardoned;

and it is in dying that we are born to eternal life.

Amen.

The attack in Orlando targeted one group, and so our prayers go up for gays, lesbians, and other sexual minorities who now live with a heightened sense of fear. We are glad to hear of so many Christians, from many theological persuasions, reaching out to comfort them in their grief.