Against the Glory of Guns: A Prayer for the Healing of our Imagination
Creator God-
your creation is hurting.
Our bodies are pierced by violence,
our land is riddled with bullet shells,
our eyes are unnerved by images of horrified, bloodied faces,
our ears are tired of hearing, “the suspect has been identified,”
our hearts are heavy from grieving grandmothers and children,
co-workers and friends.
We call this violence senseless,
yet know it makes complete sense
for who we are and the path we’ve chosen.
So we cry out, “How long, oh Lord?
How long!”
How long must we see the desecration of what is sacred,
feel the shallowness of “thoughts and prayers”
see an industry profit off death,
experience the ruthless defense of metal objects,
at the expense of human breath and dignity?
How long will the glory of guns reign in our land?
Heal our imaginations, oh God!
Help us envision a world in which
self protection isn’t needed because communal care is enough,
lone wolves don’t exist because we are all seen and known,
the right to bear arms is exposed as the right to play God,
and “bad guys with guns” don’t exist,
because all of humanity knows love.
As blood is crying out from the ground.
help us to heed its cry.
Grant us your resurrection power.
and the coming of a new world,
for we are desperate for a better way.
Amen.
