Prayer for Boston

O Holy One, O Lover of Cities:
Your children in Boston cry out to you.  
Your children throughout the world echo their cry:
Hear our prayer.  

A day of peace and celebration undone by violence;
A community of hospitality and playfulness scattered in fear.
Your children in Boston cry out to you.  
Your children throughout the world echo their cry:
Hear our prayer.  

So much pain and confusion, so many questions:
Be with us as a balm of healing.  

So much courage and kindness, so much diligence in duty: 
We find in such goodness your shelter of hope.

Come now, Healer, and use us as instruments of new life for Boston: 
You are Love, 
help us love.  
You are Comforter,
 help us comfort.
You are Justice, 
help us do justice.
You are Mercy, 
help us show mercy.  
You are Forgiveness, 
help us forgive.  
You are Builder, 
help us rebuild.

Let your vision for a City of safety and joy be known again in Boston, 
and in all the communities of the world.
Your children in Boston cry out to you.  
Your children throughout the world echo their cry:
Hear our prayer.  

We pray all this in the name of your Child Jesus 
--Word who dwells among us wherever we build community—
Wounded Healer;  Risen Savior;  Maker of All Things New.

Prayer for Boston by the Rev. Susan A. Blain, Congregational Vitality and Discipleship Ministry Team