Virginia Tech

The numbers of the dead and injured continue to rise is the horrific reports of the mass murders at Virginia Tech this morning. 31 dead so far, and over fifty wounded. There have been many phone calls amongst those of us who have college-age kids - are their friends who went to Tech okay? So far, as far as we're able to tell, the local kids and their friends are okay, but the information is very confused thus far.

For many other parents, the news is not so good.

God our deliverer, gather our horror and pity for the death of these, your children into the compass of your wisdom and strength, that through the night we may seek and do what is right, and when morning comes trust ourselves to your cleansing justice and new life; through Christ our Savior.

Lord of life, you trampled death under your feet so that we might come alive in your eternal light. We remember before you those shot today at Virginia Tech. In our anger and confusion, we need your help to find our way. When your own child, Jesus, suffered violent death, you acted through it to redeem the world. Help us live into that knowledge as we remember that these victims now live because of that great gift of your love. Help us release them to you. Show us that your hand has dried their tears, and let us glimpse their joy in your face. Grant us strength and the spirit of healing and peace so that we may labor for your just and peaceable kingdom, where all your children live in safety and fulfillment, through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

I am the Resurrection and I am Life, says the Lord.
Whoever has faith in me shall have life, even though he die.
And everyone who has life,
and has committed himself to me in faith,
shall not die forever.