01/30/2025
A prayer from Bishop Sandra Steiner Ball, in the wake of the airplane/helicopter tragedy near Washington, D.C. last night:
Our hearts break today as we encounter news of the plane and helicopter crash near Washington D.C. Let us give thanks for and pray for our first responders. It is not easy to be the persons on the scene to deal with such tragedy and loss. Let us pray for the families impacted by the loss of life in this crash as they deal with being deprived of what could have been in their loved ones lives, the loss of gifted persons, of persons deeply loved. Let us pray, because prayer is powerful and the persons impacted by and responding to this crash need to know that they are not alone amid things they cannot understand – they need to experience, to feel us standing with them and praying for them. People need the strength and the love - our strength, hope, love, and compassion - which can be given through our prayers.
Oh Lord, we pray because no one is a stranger to you, and you have a love for all people who you create in your image. You listen, you hear the cry that is rising in this fragile world as once again our human family is torn by an accident, a tragedy. No doubt, you are weeping even now with those who weep and are very present to those who are living in shock and grief. There is no doubt that you, Lord, are very present with first responders who wrestling with dangerous conditions and who are encountering death face to face as they recover the victims of this horrible crash.
Watch over those who are working through logistics of all that needs to be tended to. Give them compassion and care as they work with families who are dealing with great loss. Watch over all those who are in pain and grief. Be very present and bring your strength and hope to those who have lost their loved ones far too soon from this life.
Give us this day your blessed assurance that you, O God, are with us, that Christ abides with us, as our lives are shaken once again by things we cannot understand.
Amen.
