O merciful Father, you have taught us in your holy Word that You are near to the brokenhearted: Look with pity on the sorrows of your servants in Uvalde, Texas. Thank You, Father, for the confidence You give us in Your Word about the eternal destiny of little ones who die, that they are safe in the arms of Christ. I thank you for the precious lives of all children. I thank You, Lord, for the little lives who never saw the dawn of his or her birthday. I thank You for those who have lived for hours, days, months, or even years and then have been snatched away to heaven. Thank You for Your compassion on sinners. Thank You for saving the children who had no ability to repent of their sin nature or believe in Christ Jesus. Thank You for receiving the little ones into Your mercy. Heal the hearts of these parents, Lord, as they mourn the loss of their little ones. Hold them as their world dawns in broken-heartedness and tragedy today. Remember them, O Lord, in Your mercy; nourish their community with faithful caregivers, pastors, and chaplains who will bring Your word into the midst of the suffering; comfort the community with a sense of your goodness; Heavenly Father, help them to entrust their loved ones to Your care. Though sorrow darkens their lives, help them to look up to You. May the Church address this act of senseless evil and violence with the one tool for true and lasting change: the gospel of Jesus Christ. And grant that we, the church militant on earth, rejoicing ever in your presence, may share with our neighbors the rest and peace which your presence gives through the gospel of Jesus Christ. Lift up your countenance upon the sorrowful and grieving today in Uvalde; and give them peace; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
