These are the Prayers of the People offered at tonight’s
Taize liturgy to commemorate the events of the Orlando Pulse Massacre one year
ago tomorrow. The responses of kyrie eleison (Lord, have mercy) were sung by
the congregation after each verse of the prayers was read. The liturgy was held
at St. Richard’s Episcopal Church, Orlando with 52 souls in attendance.
When we first heard the helicopters overhead
The first time we saw those awful images.
We remember how our anguished thoughts and prayers turned to those who had lost their loved ones.
Tonight, our thoughts and prayers return to them.
Kyrie, kyrie eleison.
Kyrie, kyrie eleison.
We remember the 50 who
died, each of them bearing
your divine image
We recall how so many
were just beginning lives of hopes and dreams.
We remember thinking
how senseless this loss of human life was.
Tonight, our thoughts
and prayers return to them
Kyrie, kyrie eleison.
Kyrie, kyrie eleison.
We remember those who
survived.
We recall their
heart-breaking stories.
We remember that their
lives are forever scarred by those moments.
We know their lives
will never be the same.
Tonight, our thoughts
and prayers are offered for them
Kyrie, kyrie eleison.
Kyrie, kyrie eleison.
We remember the
outpouring of support for our city
from all over the world
We recall people
standing in lines to donate blood
We remember courageous
officers, medics and doctors
fighting to save lives
We remember the vigil
with its half million candles
surrounding the lake
in the heart of our city with healing light.
Tonight, our prayers
of gratitude are offered for them.
Kyrie, kyrie eleison. Kyrie, kyrie eleison.
We remember the pain
we have felt.
We recall the
bereavement and bitterness of the aftermath.
But we remember that
you are a God of redemption and restoration.
Help us forgive those
who cause such trauma in our world, that we may find
release in that forgiveness.
Tonight, our prayers
to be forgiving are offered to you.
Kyrie, kyrie eleison. Kyrie, kyrie eleison.
We remember that you
love the world you have created, O God.
We recall you sent
your Son to bring reconciliation and salvation.
We remember that your
Spirit permeates all of Creation.
Help us bring your
comfort and peace to all.
Make us instruments of
your peace.
Tonight, our prayers
of hopefulness are offered to you.
Kyrie, kyrie eleison.
Kyrie, kyrie eleison.
[Adapted from Prayers for 9-11, Pastor Jimmy Orr, Leigh Park
Baptist, Havant, UK]
(Said in unison)
God, Creator, bring us new life.
Jesus, Redeemer, renew and strengthen us.
Holy Spirit, Sustainer, guide us and give us your peace. AMEN.
+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
Harry Scott Coverston
Orlando, Florida
If the unexamined life is not worth
living, surely an unexamined belief system, be it religious or political, is
not worth holding.
Most things worth considering do
not come in sound bites.
For what does G-d require of you
but to do justice, and to love kindness, and to walk humbly with your G-d? (Micah
6:8, Hebrew Scriptures)
© Harry Coverston 2017
