Prayers for Orlando 

Prayers in the wake of the weekend's atrocities at the Pulse nightclub in Orlando, Florida

Trinity God, we come to you in the knowledge that you are to us a Good Father, a Risen Saviour and an Empowering Holy Spirit.

When we look at the world you have created we are filled with its joys and we are broken with its pain.

At this time we want to bring to you all who are affected by the events in Orlando:
We pray for the families of those who have lost loved ones: no words can express the pain of losing someone, especially in these circumstances. We pray Lord that you will comfort all who mourn; may they know the presence of your peace.

We pray for those who were injured; we pray you grant wisdom to those who are treating them. We ask that your healing power is present in their treatment and recovery.

We pray for every person who was at Pulse nightclub that evening; many of whom have seen and heard things that no-one should see or hear. May you comfort all those who witnessed this attack; may you grant them peace in their minds.

We pray that those individuals will not be ashamed of who they are; that they are able to, in time, enjoy the life that you have given to them again.

We pray for the LGBT community that have been targeted at this time; we ask that they will not be afraid; we ask that your church and your world will unite and support all people. For those that face homophobic attitudes we pray that you protect them and you encourage them; we pray that this attack and some of the attitudes that have followed will not prevent people from living in the fullness of who they are.

We ask that what some have done in order to segregate communities will unite communities.
We ask that you challenge and inspire us, as Jesus’ disciples, about the role we are to play in uniting all communities.
We pray that you would open our minds and hearts to what you are saying to us about injustice and we are to respond.

We pray for the Muslim community, that they will be protected from negative attitudes and violent actions against them, because of the actions of a few.

We pray for all people who are tempted by what IS promise; we ask that where people try and bring in darkness your Holy Spirit will bring in light, justice, peace, tolerance, love and grace in the name of Jesus. Amen. 

Picture: Ismael Nieto/Unsplash

Written by the Revd Hayley Young, minister of Hayling Island Baptist Church, Hampshire