09/23/2026
God of mercy,
We bring before you what happened in our city this week.
We pray for Wilber, for his family and loved ones, and for everyone who witnessed what happened.
We pray for our neighbors who are afraid.
For people who are worried about their families.
For people who are uncertain about what comes next.
For people carrying anger, grief, fear, or confusion.
We pray, too, for those whose work puts them in difficult and dangerous situations. Keep them safe, and give them wisdom and restraint.
God, help us not to become numb to one another.
When fear makes us pull away from our neighbors, draw us closer.
When anger makes us forget another person's humanity, soften our hearts.
When we are tempted to decide who is worthy of our care, remind us that every person is made in your image.
Give us courage to seek truth.
Give us wisdom to know what is ours to do.
Give us compassion for the people in front of us.
And make us a people who keep making room.
A people who sit at the same table.
A people who listen to one another.
A people who notice when someone is hurting.
A people who do not look away.
Keep us tenderhearted, God.
Be near to our city.
Be near to our neighbors.
And teach us how to be near to one another.
Lord, have mercy.
Christ, have mercy.
Amen.
