Bring us back from the edge, O Lord, the edge where our humanity frays. Draw us closer to your everlasting light, as our lives are impacted again by the violence that pulses around us. Grant us wisdom to lower the guns and to eliminate the rhetoric which has become a relentless stream of violence. Provide us with words of hope where hope feels elusive and our desire for change seems long in coming.

Cleanse from us the toxic hate which fills our media, oozes into our town halls and public squares, and seeps into our schools and faith communities. May your love find us in new ways as we wrestle with the anger and animosity surrounding us.

We know that your light still shines, your path of peace remains close by, your Spirit is ever ready to guide us beyond the edge and into your love. Open our hearts to seek, find, and follow you. End the violence. Bring us back from the edge, O Lord we pray. Amen.

Rev. Dr. Karen Georgia Thompson, General Minister & President/CEO, UCC