Prince of Peace, Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Rabbi, and Savior,

We pray on this Holy Thursday acknowledging our betrayals of your well-ordered good in creation. We lament when hearts twisted by human anguish turn to violence and precious life is lost. We lift to you those who grieve in the Rockford area today, the ripples of trauma that have occurred, and the despair of grief that has settled into so many homes after the violence that took place yesterday. Such losses remind us that human depravity is not limited to Rockford, but we lift to you all who grieve in the holy land, the Sudan, Ukraine, the Congo, and wherever shalom is far from us. We pray for the attacker, the victims, and those affected, that all would know your transforming love. 

Today we are mindful of the table, your love, and the invitation to communion. Be present at our table, Lord, with comfort and peace that we are not alone today, that we are yours, and though our nature is marred by brokenness, we are both broken and blessed, elements of your love sent into the world. We claim your promise from Isaiah 58:12 that "You will rebuild the ancient ruins; you will raise up the age-old foundations; and you will be called the repairer of the breach, the restorer of streets in which to dwell."

May our clergy and lay leaders have a double portion of your spirit to bear witness to your love for it is in Christ’s name that we ask it.