Violent Nation

   

We are a nation bereft.

Our children die in the home, 

In the classroom,

And in the streets,

Murdered because we embrace

Guns in the name of freedom.

Change us,

Change our nation.

Make it safe for all.

We were never meant to be

"One nation under God."

We were meant to be

"From many one."

We must all be safe

Or we are all in danger.

Fear leads to prejudice,

Prejudice leads to intolerance,

Intolerance leads to hate,
And hate leads to violence.  
Erase our fear with your grace,

So that hate never corrupts our soul

And violence has no home.

Keep us wrapped in your love

And safe in the knowledge

That this life is but a stop

On the way to eternity.   

Grief at Advent

We look forward to the celebration
Of our Savior's birth.
The babe that became  
The Suffering Servant who walked among us.
Remember him
Both babe and man
  As we search for meaning
In the wreckage of so many lives.
Son of Man

 Spread the balm of God's love

Over the grief of this nation.

Teach us to care for those that struggle
With the ills of the mind.

Nurture those we cannot hold,

Those filled with grief,

And share your presence with them

As you share your presence with us.

Deafen our ears to the seductive call
Of guns and power.

Quench our thirst for violence.

So that all may walk in safety and peace.

For yours is the embrace,

 The solace, and the love.

That endures forever.